Donald "Bud Lappo Jr.

Donald “Bud” George Lappo Jr. died on Sunday October 18, 2026. He was born on December 31, 1965 in Traverse City, the son of Donald George Sr. and Sharon (Hyatt) Lappo.

Bud graduated from Kingsley High School in 1984 and attended Northwest Michigan College, studying law enforcement and psychology.

He played Football and loved being coached by his father, “Coach Bear.”

He worked at Bear Collision with his father for years in Traverse City. He was the owner of Bud’s Complete Auto Repair in Mayfield and Traverse City for twenty-two years and enjoyed working on cars. Recently, he worked for Thirlby on 8th street in the paint department.

Bud served in the United States Marines. Hed was a member of the VFW Post #2780, the American Military League, where he was previously the Vice Commander, having served in the Marines.

On February 14, 2004 he married Tammy Lynn Schweifler. Bud was the love of Tammy’s life and they were soul mates. Together they had six children and six grandchildren. Bud loved spending time with his children and grandkids. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, two tracking in his truck down by the river, looking for Deer and watching Detroit Lion’s football.

Bud is survived by his wife Tammy, children, Joe (Lexi), Dustin (Tiara), Andrew (Cheyenne), Brandi, Buster (Ivy), and Waylon (Armony); grandchildren, Novah, Atti, Aurora, Bella, Paul and Andrew Jr; sister, Delinda; brother Jonathan; nephews, Anthony and Harper and mom, Patti Schaap.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Donations can be made to the Grand Traverse Area Veteran’s Coalition.

A celebration of his life will be held from 2 pm to 6pm, Saturday, November 14, 20206 at the AML (American Military League) , 2423 Sybrandt Rd. Traverse City.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.