Donelda E. "Dee" Tyrpak

Donelda E. “Dee” Tyrpak, 83 of Gaylord passed away at home on Sunday, March 1, 2020 surrounded by her family.

Born on February 23, 1937 in Sault Ste. Marie, Dee was the daughter of John N. and Olive G. (Wessel) Cameron.  She moved to Lansing and then Kalamazoo in her youth and was a 1955 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School.  While living in Kalamazoo she worked at the Gibson Guitar Company.

Dee moved to Lewiston in 1986 and while working at the former Huber House Restaurant (now Iron Kettle) she met the love of her life and future husband, Harry Tyrpak.  They were married in Lewiston on May 20, 1988.  Harry was the caretaker at High Tail Haven Deer Ranch and Dee enjoyed helping him there.  Later they moved to Atlanta and finally to Gaylord in 2006.

Dee was a member of Big Rock Church in Atlanta.  She was also a member of the Loud Township Ladies Auxiliary.  She enjoyed bowling, listening to Elvis Presley and being outdoors.  Also an avid dancer, she especially enjoyed Polka dancing.  Dee was proud of her Scottish heritage which she enjoyed researching, learning that the Cameron family had their own crest and plaid.

Her family will remember her most for her love for them, her pride in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchild.  She was their biggest fan.

She is survived by her husband, Harry; her three daughters, Teresa (Alec) Burson, April (Tony) Pica and Dawn Wilson all of Gaylord; grandchildren, Ryan (Danielle), Brandon (Sabrina), Matthew (Stephanie), Andrew (Stephanie) and Danielle (Will); great-grandchildren, Becca (Alister), Cole, Cassie (Alex), Genesis, Eden, Sophia, Layla, Aiden and Emmet; a great great grandchild, Audrey; a brother, Gary (Linda) Cameron; sisters-in-law, Judy Cameron and Alane Cameron and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Warren and Donald; a sister, Ricky (Ron) and a grandson, Steven James Wood.

The family will have a gathering in the spring. In lieu of flowers, those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com