John "Jack" Robert Lapinski

John (Jack) Robert Lapinski

Jackson Michigan 1935-2024

The world lost a kind and generous man on March 30, 2024. Born November 10, 1935 in Jackson, Michigan to John C. Lapinski and Nora (Wellman) Lapinski, Jack Lapinski grew up on Francis Street with his 5 brothers and sisters and dog Pepper.

After graduating from St. Mary's High School, Jack started college at Michigan State University and graduated from University of Tulsa, Oklahoma.  To afford college, Jack worked in the Oklahoma oil fields and hustled pool, ultimately graduating with a major in math and philosophy.  Jack was founder and owner of a small manufacturing business that produced sewn products for such companies as Toro and Craftsman.  In 1969, Jack met and married Nancy Backus and had two daughters, Maria and Natasha.  Jack and Nancy traveled the world birdwatching in Europe, Hawaii, and across the United States.

His love for birds led him to serve many years on the Michigan Audubon Board of Directors, even serving as Board president for a term. In addition to work and volunteering, Jack enjoyed spending time with his family and close friends, playing golf and tennis, skiing, bowling, and listening to jazz and blues.  He also held a library-size collection of books, including many first editions.  He was always up for an adventure, especially on the water.  In the 1970s he completed the Chicago to Mackinaw sailing race several times.  As a devoted family man, Jack enjoyed being a grandpa.  Each time he came to visit, his typical way usually first included grabbing a drink. The grandkids always clambered to the freezer to grab the ice.  This led to the appropriate nickname of "Grandpa Icey."

Later in life Jack became reacquainted with his high school sweetheart – Sandy Benes – and adored her beyond words.  She would walk into a room and his smile was contagious. Quoting the Little Big Town song, Sandy would always say, "my friend Jack, he's got my back."

Preceding Jack in death were his parents; his wife of 45 years, Nancy (Backus) Lapinski; brother, Robert (Tonya) Lapinski; sister, Judy Stage; and son-in-law, Andrew LaFaive. He is survived by his partner, Sandy Benes; daughters, Maria Lapinski-LaFaive and Natasha (Matthew) Koss; grandchildren Adrien, Quinn, and Elsa; sisters, Alice Marie Dull and Mary Sue McCondra; brother, Jim (Jackie) Lapinski; dear friend, Louise Hefka; and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Henry Ford Health System, Mission Point Health Campus, Vista Grande Villa, Careline Hospice, and especially Kim Linabury.

In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Michigan Audubon (michiganaudubon.org), the Andrew LaFaive Scholarship Fund at the Jackson Community Foundation (jacksoncf.org), or any of the organizations mentioned above.

An open-house celebration of life for Jack will be held on April 28, 2024 at the Cascades Manor from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 134 Years