Ethan James Schlappi

Ethan James Schlappi, Freeport Michigan, was born in Grand Rapids Michigan on September 4, 2008 to Rose and Nathan Schlappi, moving to Freeport with his family the following year. He passed far too soon on July 25th, 2026 at 17 years old in a tragic car accident. He is forever cherished and remembered by his parents, Nathan and Rose; his siblings, Morgan and Tyler Adkins, Elaina Schlappi and Josh Willette, Emily Schlappi and Anthony Haner, Lizzy Schlappi, and Ean Schlappi; nieces and nephews, who adored him; Ellen, Paisley, Carter, Warren and Toby; The Simmons family; Shelby Bush and Kyle Anderson; his grandparents, Paula and Ronald Lawrason, Ronald Schlappi, Betsy and George VanderLaan; uncle George VanderLaan and Ciera Bowden; aunts, Teresa Sturgeon and Chloe Bayer; long-time friend Bert Jones; his racetrack family with Unique Motor Sports and Lickity Split Promotions, and many, many friends. Ethan was predeceased by his uncle, Jack Aaron Swick.

He spent his childhood building forts, catching snakes and frogs, picking berries, and running barefoot covered in dirt with his siblings, cousins (Jack, Blake, and Mari Swick), and friends that became family (Beckett, Gray and Elliott Butler, Armando Parra.) A quintessential country boy, he was a frequent flyer getting stitched up at the ER in Hastings, where at age seven, with a six inch wire sticking out of his foot, he proclaimed himself “the most dangerous man in Barry County.”

Ethan spent his summers as a boy watching demolition derbies. As he grew up he learned to fix cars with his dad, brother, and grandfathers so that he could race in them himself. Ethan built his derby team from the ground up, with very little financial backing. He named his team No Budget Racing and his tagline was “Straight Outta Freeport.” Ethan raced the 419 car and his favorite track was Barry County, with Ionia a close second. Ethan’s family and beloved girlfriend Amber were always there supporting, from the garage to the pits.

In the fall, Ethan looked forward to hunting deer, which he graciously used to fill his family’s and others’ freezers. It was not uncommon for him to deliver frozen venison to complete strangers in need.

As brothers, Ethan and Ean shared a unique bond. Being only 14 months apart they were more like twins than brothers. They loved to play video games, fish, hunt, and work on other projects together. After 16 years of growing up together, Ethan and Ean were best friends. The immense love they had for each other will never be forgotten.

Ethan was respectful and reliable. He was planning to start work with Amber's dad, Todd, as an apprentice diesel mechanic in the fall. Ethan restored cars, and talked about making it into a car flipping business with his brother, Ean. He had the charm to bargain with anyone. He had unwavering ambition and was determined to finish any project he started. Ethan was funny and kind, smart as a whip, and showed up for the people he loved. He was wise beyond his years and was often referred to as an “old soul.”

Following a beautiful Honor Walk, Amber Simmons, Ethan’s girlfriend of almost three years, passed away two days after Ethan, on July 27th, 2026. Ethan and Amber were inseparable; they did everything together and spent their time baking, fixing cars, and building things. Ethan and Amber took pride in raising ducks, chickens, and their cat, Buck. They grew flowers, strawberries, and blueberries in their garden and planned to add fruit trees. Amber’s family helped Ethan experience travel, culture, and the love of a second family. The Schlappi family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude and love to the Simmons family and Amber’s bio mom Shelby Bush for the impact they had on our beloved Ethan. Although they were young, Ethan and Amber shared a love and life that was genuine and rare, and the families find peace in knowing they’re together forever.

A memorial service for Ethan will be held at 3pm on Saturday, August 15th at the Freeport Community Center, 209 S State St, Freeport, MI 49325. The family invites all who knew and loved Ethan to celebrate his life with us, followed by a short procession to the Freeport Cemetery. Derby cars welcome!