Gordon Douglas Taipalus

G. Douglas Taipalus, 83, of Greenbush Michigan, and Zephyrhills Florida, was called home to be with his Lord on May 7, 2008. Doug was born on December 30, 1924 in Calumet Michigan to John and Senia (Nakkula) Taipalus. He graduated from Calumet High School in 1942, and served faithfully in both the infantry and Air Force during World War II. He went on to receive his B.A. in Bible and M.A. in Christian Education. Pastor Doug served at Greenbush Baptist Church, and at Calvary Baptist Church in Mikado, where he helped develop a strong youth program. One of the highlights of Pastor Doug’s ministry in Mikado was presenting the live Nativity scene for two weeks each Christmas season. He also served churches in Grand Haven, Michigan and Fort Lauderdale Florida, and performed missionary work in Mali, Africa, and Naples, Italy. He was known for his deep concern of his parishioners and his great sense of humor. Pastor Doug was always active in community affairs, and enjoyed carpentry, teaching, as well as playing and coaching hockey. Surviving are his loving wife, Gloria, sons Gary Taipalus, James Taipalus, Don (Ginger) Taipalus; daughter Marlene Sixta; seven grandsons, Erik (Susan) Taipalus, Greg (Katy) Taipalus, Justin Taipalus, Jon Taipalus, Jimmy Taipalus, Ryan Taipalus, and Dakotah Sixta; four granddaughters, Donielle Taipalus, Kalle Wyma, Heather Skinner and Kelly Struthers, ten great grandchildren, and his brother Ted (Shirley) Taipalus; Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Senia Nakkula, the Nakkula half-brothers, Walter, William, Waino, Henry, Paul, and Rudolph, and half-sister Sylvia Bassetti. Mr. Taipalus is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln, where friends may call on Sunday, May 11 from 3 until 7 pm. Visitation will continue on Monday, May 12, from 11 am until the Funeral Service at 1:00 pm, at the Calvary Baptist Church in Mikado. Funeral Services will be conducted by Dr. Lloyd Streeter. Burial will be in Mikado Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gordon Douglas Taipalus, please visit our flower store.