Russell Michael Thorpe

Mike Thorpe began his life on March 4, 1947, in Paw Paw, Michigan, welcomed into the world at Lakeview Hospital, son to the late Russell Thorpe and Adeline (Gromek) Thorpe. Mike enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam. While he was home on leave, he was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Linda (Stoken) Thorpe, November 19, 1965, in Martin, Michigan. Following his discharge from the Army, Mike returned home and began his career with General Motors. After 32 years of dedicated service, he was able to retire. Mike and Linda relocated to Arizona for 12 years where they operated a storage facility. While in Arizona, Mike enjoyed trips up into the mountains and camping. As he was an avid outdoorsman, Mike also loved fishing anytime of the year, no matter what the conditions were like. He enjoyed spending summers at the campground in Gobles and in earlier years, he spent time at the Kalamazoo Speedway where he raced stockcars. Mike also enjoyed horse racing and would spend time studying the lineup before he would place his bet. Most of all, Mike was a loving husband and father. He always supported his sons and attended as many of their sporting events as he could. 

Russell Michael "Mike" Thorpe, age 76, of Kalamazoo, passed away Sunday, March 5, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Stoken) Thorpe, four sons, Russell Michael (Jolynne) Thorpe Jr., David (Dena) Thorpe, Curtis (Riann) Thorpe and Joey (Tori) Thorpe, one sister Anna (Clark) Clement; one brother, John (Cherie) Thorpe; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. 

There will be a "Mike Style" celebration of life open house, Friday, March 10, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Paw Paw Eagles, 63237 M40, Lawton. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project. 

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