WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Zander James Pappas, age 20, of Burr Oak, passed away tragically on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, in Sturgis due to injuries sustained in a minibike vehicle accident. Known by many as a very giving person, Zander continued this characteristic even after his death when he became a part of the Gift of Life Program.
He was born on December 24, 2004 in Three Rivers, son of Matthew and Wendy (Murphy) Pappas.
Zander was a lifelong Burr Oak resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 2023.
Zander was a hardworking young man. He had been employed by Coachman Industries, Walmart Distribution Center, Pizza Hut, and Morgan Olson.
He was a member of the Burr Oak 4-H Club where he excelled in showing his goats and earned many awards for his artistic ability and soap making. He enjoyed kayaking, fishing, riding his minibike, and bonfires, the bigger the better!
He was a loving son and brother, and his infectious smile could always light up a room. He loved working on his cars and minibike. He will be remembered for being meticulous in whatever he did and was always willing to lend a hand when needed.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Zander is survived by his loving parents: Matthew and Wendy Pappas of Burr Oak; brothers: Dillon Pappas of Elkhart, Indiana and Ryland Pappas of Burr Oak; sister: Haylee Pappas of Burr Oak; grandparents: James and Leslie Pappas of Burr Oak, Amy and Chuck McClain of Sturgis and Jeff Murphy of Florida; uncles: Clinton Pappas of Burr Oak, Jacob and Heather Henderson of Texas and Daniel and Autumn McClain of Indiana; aunt: Amber Henderson of Ohio; Godparents: Terry and Luciana King of Alpena; his cat: Little Man and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a multitude of friends whom he cherished.
He was preceded in death by his uncle: Clayton Pappas; great grandparents, and best friend: Edgar Eduardo Hernandez Alcantar.
In honoring what Zander would appreciate, the family asks that casual attire be worn for the visitations and funeral service and if posible, to wear a red or white shirt as those were Zander’s favorite colors.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 on Thursday, September 25th at Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis and on Friday, Sept. 26th from 1:00 to 2:00 at Radiant Life Church, 907 N. Nottawa St. in Sturgis where funeral services celebrating Zander’s life will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00. Pastor Evan Bibb of Faith Church in Lansing will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
La familia recibirá a sus amigos de 16:00 a 19:00 h el jueves 25 de septiembre en la Capilla Hackman de la Funeraria Familiar Hackman, ubicada en 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, y el viernes 26 de septiembre de 13:00 a 14:00 h en la Iglesia Radiant Life, ubicada en 907 N. Nottawa St., Sturgis. El velorio a las 14:00 h será el siguiente en celebrar la vida de Zander. El pastor Evan Bibb, de la Iglesia Faith de Lansing, oficiará el velatorio. El entierro se realizará después del servicio en el Cementerio Oak Lawn, Sturgis.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to Hidden Acres Safe Home, 50582 Pleasant St., Dowagiac, MI 49047.
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
