Douglas James Lazell Sr., 75, died Friday, June 16, 2017 at his home with his wife at his side in Prudenville, MI. He was born June 19, 1941 in Lansing, MI the son of Charles and Esther (Kreger) Lazell. Doug graduated from Laingsburg High School in Laingsburg, MI with the Class of 1961. He served our country in the United States Navy for seven and a half years and did a tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969-1970. He currently is a member of the American Legion in Prudenville. On January 23, 1987 he married Sue Allan Heinlen in St. Johns, MI and they celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year. Doug was a sheetmetal worker and welder by trade, something he loved to do. Over the years he worked as a truck driver as well. He loved spending time with family and keeping his new yard groomed. Doug loved every kind of music, especially the oldies and jazz. He loved Star Wars movies, hot rods and had an extensive collection of model cars. When his health was better, he loved tinkering in his garage and fishing with Sue. Doug loved going on mystery trips that Sue planned where he had no idea where they were going until they arrived. Last fall, when his health was failing, they made a trip to Buffalo, New York, and Niagara Falls where great memories were made. Surviving is his wife, Sue; daughter-in-law, Maureen Lazell Persing of Holland, MI; four stepsons, Raymond Heinlen, Randy (Jennifer) Heinlen, Eric (Missy) Heinlen all of St. Johns, Philip (Sue) Heinlen of Traverse City; stepdaughter, Angie (Jason) Schultz of Fort Walton Beach, FL; twenty grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Joy (Bob) Petke of Byron, MI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Mike Lazell and his son, Doug Lazell Jr. Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Keck-Coleman Funeral Home, St. Johns, MI with a very dear friend, Pastor Ken Nash of Buffalo, NY officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends 1:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, June 26 and from 11:00 AM until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at North Star Cemetery North Star, MI. Military honors will be provided by the St. Johns Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to any local Veterans organization of donor’s choice.
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