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Michael Lee Yarpe
07/25/1953 — 03/13/2012
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Council Bluffs, IA
Michael Lee Yarpe
Michael Lee Yarpe passed away on March 13, 2012 while being treated for cancer at the VA Hospital Puget Sound in Seattle Washington.
Michael was born to H.E. and Velma Yarpe in Council Bluffs, Iowa on July 25, 1953. He lived and worked in the Iowa/ Nebraska area until he joined the Army in 1972. When basic training finished he was sent to serve in Turkey. Upon Army discharge in 1975 Mike returned to Council Bluffs until he moved to Richland WA in 1979.
While living in Richland Mike worked as a courtesy clerk at Price Chopper and Fred Meyer. Despite his schizophrenia he was always friendly and courteous to all who crossed his path. He was one of the first members of the Wilson House, Pasco when it opened and remained a member until it's closing in January 2012. Michael will be intensely missed for his kindness, his caring, and his droll sense of humor which he maintained until the day he died. He will always be that "missing link" holding us all together.
Mike is survived by four siblings; Jolene Todd Tom Sacramento, CA, Jayne Moran Denver CO, April Nishioka Tad Richland WA and Paul Yarpe Omaha, NE. Also surviving him are three nieces, one nephew, one grandniece and two grandnephews.
There will be a rosary on Tuesday March 20, 2012 6pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. A memorial Mass will be said March 21, 2012 10am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Richland. Graveside services will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland following the memorial Mass.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the VFW.
I have a lot of memories of Mike, but my fondest memories are of Mike at Cannon Beach Oregon. Sitting on the balcony smoking and putting up with Kami and Tara as children. His dry sense of humor kept me laughing. He will be missed by all who knew him.April was such an amazing sister in caring for Mike I know she will miss him immensley.My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Take care of each other. Sincerley, Susie Walker
April, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am so sorry for your loss.
I have known Mike since 1976. He was always kind and funny. I will miss his genuiness.
So sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort continue to furnish the family with peace and hope
at this difficult time.
i wish i could be there to support my dear mother and tad and april. my uncle was my shaping even though i didnt know it until later in life. my two favorite things in life. motorcycles and music. uncle mike semed to understand me as well as i understood him. my fondest memory of uncle mike woulda been driving me around half on sidewalk and half on the street in his volkswagen. i used to laugh . uncle mike always smiled and was very humble when it came to himself. seems like now i look back he always loved his family first. he will be missed dearly by his sisters especially. aunt april was his best friend and my mother was just as close in their own way
I am so sorry for the passing of my cousin, Mike. He battled his illness with dignity ; I know Mike is in heaven with his mom, and Aunt Florence.
Rest in peace Mike.
I have many many memories of my sweet and innocent uncle! Actually so many that I can’t put them all in words! My fondest were of visits to Richland and the time I lived there for 2 years after my first son Blaze was born. All the birthdays and other celebrations. His birthdays were always so much fun especially watching him have the time of his life and not have a care in the world. Even with his schizophrenia he always managed to smile and make everyone around him smile too! And he never gave up hope throughout the whole ordeal! His sisters said he even made the doctors laugh everytime they would come into his room in the hospital! I will miss him so very much, and his phone calls and cards for every occasion, and will have a hole in my heart for the rest of my life! Rest in Peace Uncle Mike for you are no longer in pain and with all your loved ones in heaven! I love you!
Monica Moran-Lange and Family
Guestbook for
Michael Lee Yarpe