WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Ann Elaine Happel, age 67, of White Pigeon, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2026, at her home following a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
She was born April 30, 1958 in Sturgis, daughter of Larry and Judith Ann (Lamont) Harker.
Ann was a lifelong resident of the White Pigeon and Sturgis area and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the Class of 1976. She furthered her education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education.
On August 2, 1985, she married the love of her life, Loren Happel, in Centreville. Together they shared 40 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and unwavering support.
Ann was a beloved teacher in the Sturgis Public Schools, dedicating her career to the special education department at Sturgis Elementary Schools. She gave her whole heart to each of her students and made a lasting difference in countless lives before retiring after many years of faithful service and received the John Oster Teacher of the Year Award.
Throughout her difficult and painful five-year battle with cancer, Ann’s strength, positivity, and unwavering spirit were an inspiration to all who knew her. Her warm smile and hopeful outlook never wavered. She cherished time spent at her beloved Klinger Lake and had a deep love for animals, especially her cats.
Loren extends his heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, and Centrica Care Hospice in Kalamazoo for the exceptional compassion and care shown to Ann throughout her journey.
She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, Loren Happel of White Pigeon; father, Larry Harker of Sturgis; brother, Nick Harker of Sturgis; sisters, Susan (Rick) Sleeper of Sturgis, Patricia Hagadorn of White Pigeon, and Stephanie (Ken) Harker-Shau of White Pigeon; brother-in-law, Brian Tallmadge of Sturgis; nephew, Nicholas Hagadorn; nieces, Olivia (Andrew) Oberc, Allison (Jay) Korhonen, and Madilyn (Andreo) Sedastiani and great-niece and great-nephew, Genevieve and Griffin Oberc.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Judith Ann Harker, and her sister, Jane Tallmadge.
In honoring Ann’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate a life well lived will be held Sunday, March 29th, from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Klinger Lake Country Club, 21050 US-12 in Sturgis.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be directed to Centrica Care Hospice, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009; Animal Rescue Fund, P.O. Box 593, Centreville, MI 49032; or MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
