Melville William Heppe Jr.

Melville William Heppe, lovingly known as Mel or “Chub” in his younger years in Newberry, passed away peacefully of natural causes on April 9, 2025, in Traverse City, Michigan, at the age of 86. Mel was born on November 4, 1938, in Newberry, Michigan, to Elizabeth Mary Heppe (Schilgen) and Melville William Heppe Sr. He graduated from Newberry High School in 1956 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving a tour in Greenland. After returning home, Mel put down roots in his hometown, where he owned and operated a laundromat. In 1965, he met Christine Lee Hautio, and the two were married on June 18, 1966, in Skandia, Michigan. Together, they built a life in Kalamazoo, where Mel worked at the GM plant and volunteered as a firefighter in Comstock Township. After his retirement from GM, Mel moved to Traverse City to be near his eldest daughter and grandchildren, though he continued to travel far and wide to stay close with his younger daughter and her family—wherever life took them. Mel cherished time with his grandchildren and rarely missed a milestone. He attended their sporting events, school functions, and college graduations—always proudly wearing a sweatshirt from their respective universities. In recent years, he found great joy in restoring his 1964 ½ Mustang, even earning 5th place at the Interlochen Car Show. He also developed a love for bocce ball and was the reigning champion of the Ciao Al Villaggio Bocce Tournament. Mel’s later years were filled with the same energy and curiosity that marked his youth, and his legacy will live on through stories of road trips, car shows, football games, and family gatherings at the lake house. Mel is survived by his daughters, Amy Endresen and Melissa Berris (Will); grandchildren Sophia Kunkler, Alex Endresen, Anna Endresen, Audrey Berris, Lilly Berris, and Willie Berris; his brother Cliff Heppe; and nephews Jon Culver, Chris Culver, Brenden Russer, and Danny Heppe. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Christine Heppe (2012); his son-in-law Todd Endresen (2015); brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gary and Lynn Culver; and his nephew Jeff Heppe. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 PM. Services will take place at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Long Lake Association. www.longlakeassociation.com

Melville William Heppe Jr.

November 4, 1938 - April 9, 2025