John Orel Jr.

John "Big John" Orel Jr., age 79, East Lansing, MI, fought three previous cancers, defeating each of them. He lost his fourth and final fight against pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2026, at home with the love of his life by his side.

Big John was born on August 28, 1946, in Lansing, MI, to John and Nellie (Vanderlaan) Orel Sr. He grew up in Towar Gardens, and that is where he remained his whole life. Just like Sodapop from The Outsiders, he was proud to be from the other side of the brick wall.

On December 23, 1978, John married Pamelia Pumfrey at the Towar Hart Baptist Church. They shared 55 years together.

John worked at Daggett operating heavy equipment for many years, then over 20 years as a Journeyman Drywall Finisher from the I.U.P.A.T union local #845. He worked for Bouma Interiors until he retired.

Outside of work, John enjoyed going deer hunting in Hubbardston, MI, camping at his brother Ray's in Remus, MI, and going up to Drummond Island to fish with his family and sister, Elsie, and her husband, Sherm. He also liked cruising around Towar Gardens on his golf cart, going to the Trufant Flea Market, Mason Steam Show, and garage sales, watching boxing, feeding his Koi in his pond, having karaoke parties, and joking around with people.

He was a hard-working, generous man. When you needed help, he was there, usually with a cigarette in one hand and a tool in the other and a ton of jokes to tell.

John had a life generally well-lived and with very few regrets. He lived life exactly on his own terms. We are certain he is currently testing the karaoke system out at the pearly gates, racing around heaven on a golf cart, or is telling the angels to pull his finger.

John was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie (Sherm) Criss, brothers Gene (Gloria) Orel, Larry Orel, Russ (Shannon) Orel, father-in-law, Ellis Pumfrey, sister-in-law, Patricia Pumfrey, brother-in-law, Tony Pumfrey, and good friends Dan Arndt, Ron Wicker, and Jerry Bergey.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Pamelia Orel, daughter, Shannon Dunkel, grandchildren, Gage Dunkel, Cheyenne (Bruce) Collard, Martyn (Angelina) Dunkel, Olivia (Lacy) Ricci, great grandchildren, Lettyana Dunkel-Dollarhite, Alayah Collard, Bruce Collard III, Martyn Dunkel, and Kaylus Dunkel, brother, Ray (Judy) Orel, sisters, Chris Orel and Sarah (Scott) Miller, sister-in-law, Shannon Orel, mother-in-law, Ethel Pumfrey, God Daughter (Niece), Ashley Seeley, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no funeral, as he wanted his hard-earned money saved. A celebration of life memorial for John and his brother Russ will be held at John and Pam's home on a later date this summer.

John's wife and daughter would like to send their heartfelt thanks to everyone who gave him their love and support over the last few years. They would like to extend special appreciation to Lisa Dickson-Orel, Ashley Seeley, Martyn Dunkel, Bruce & Cheyenne Collard, Gage Dunkel, Ray & Judy Orel, Star Abbott, Olivia Ricci, Dave Gibler, Pat Arndt, Dustin Criss, Chris Orel, Rick Pumfrey, Rick & Wendy Cook, Doreen Sherman, Ethel Pumfrey, Franky Garner, Elizabeth Newberry and Josh Smith from Dean Transportation, Jerry Wilson, Shelby and Sarah Wilson, Jim Snellenberger and McLaren Hospice. Your support is making this journey a little easier for us.

Big John will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him, but he will definitely never be forgotten as he leaves behind a legacy of laughter.