Tolli Grapis
June 26th, 1944 - April 10th, 2023
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Tolli's Obituary
Talivaldis (Tolli) Grapis, 78, passed away at his home in Stevensville, MI, on Monday, April 10, 2023, from complications of intracranial hemorrhages over the past few years.
Tolli was born on June 26, 1944 in Riga, Latvia. He and his mother came to the United States, June 15, 1950, as part of a refugee relocation program, and he became a US citizen in 1995. He grew up in Berrien Springs, MI and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1963, and went on to obtain a BA degree from Western Michigan University in English Literature and a minor in History. He and his mother co-founded and co-owned Aunt Lettie’s Catering. He was preceded in death by his mother Melita in 2006. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pamela (Pam) of Stevensville; children Suzan Sudlow (Daniel) of Cary, NC, Christopher Grapis of Berrien Springs, MI, and Kaitlyn Khan of Stevensville, MI; grandchildren Abigail and Adam Sudlow of Cary, NC.
Tolli was an enthusiastic sports fan, with a particular passion for Lakeshore High School athletics. He also was a great supporter of the Lakeshore Band and Choir programs. In addition, he was an avid downhill skier and held a pilot’s license. He had such a love of boating, whether it be by motor or sail. He also loved to travel, venturing to 47 of the 50 states. Tolli was a great family man and could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. He was a terrific debater, and freely shared his opinion on most everything.
Visitation will be held at Heritage Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Home, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI on Thursday, April 20, from 5-7 pm. Services will be held at the same location on Friday, April 21, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his memory to “Lakeshore Excellence Foundation” or “Lakeshore Band Parents.” Those wishing to share a Memory of Tolli online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com
Tolli was born on June 26, 1944 in Riga, Latvia. He and his mother came to the United States, June 15, 1950, as part of a refugee relocation program, and he became a US citizen in 1995. He grew up in Berrien Springs, MI and graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1963, and went on to obtain a BA degree from Western Michigan University in English Literature and a minor in History. He and his mother co-founded and co-owned Aunt Lettie’s Catering. He was preceded in death by his mother Melita in 2006. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Pamela (Pam) of Stevensville; children Suzan Sudlow (Daniel) of Cary, NC, Christopher Grapis of Berrien Springs, MI, and Kaitlyn Khan of Stevensville, MI; grandchildren Abigail and Adam Sudlow of Cary, NC.
Tolli was an enthusiastic sports fan, with a particular passion for Lakeshore High School athletics. He also was a great supporter of the Lakeshore Band and Choir programs. In addition, he was an avid downhill skier and held a pilot’s license. He had such a love of boating, whether it be by motor or sail. He also loved to travel, venturing to 47 of the 50 states. Tolli was a great family man and could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere. He was a terrific debater, and freely shared his opinion on most everything.
Visitation will be held at Heritage Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Home, 8747 US 31, Berrien Springs, MI on Thursday, April 20, from 5-7 pm. Services will be held at the same location on Friday, April 21, at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his memory to “Lakeshore Excellence Foundation” or “Lakeshore Band Parents.” Those wishing to share a Memory of Tolli online may do so at www.heritage-chapel.com
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