Aaron Tauno Aapala

CHARLOTTE, Mich. – Aaron Tauno Aapala, of Charlotte, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026, at the age of 50.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1976, in Lansing, to Richard and Gail (Ryskey) Aapala.

Aaron graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1994 and earned his bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College. He lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Charlotte, earning numerous awards in football and baseball, and played football and baseball at Kalamazoo. He also attended all sporting events of his children, Clark and Sophia, from grade school through high school.

Aaron worked in landscaping with Trees N Scapes and was a teacher for Charlotte and Maple Valley Alternative Education for numerous years until, in his 30s, he became permanently disabled with an immune disease.

He enjoyed spending vacations in his youth and adulthood in the western Upper Peninsula, where his parents and grandparents were from. He liked outdoor activities, especially hunting and fishing, as well as playing softball and baseball in many leagues and tournaments.

Aaron is survived by his children, Clark, 20, and Sophia, 16; his father, Richard; a brother, Jason (Taylor); two nephews, Nolan and Carter; his brother-in-law, Jake (April) Clark; and his sister-in-law, Megan Clark.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Katelyn; his mother, Gail; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Randy and Lisa Clark.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Aaron's Life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the American Legion, 1000 W. Lawrence Hwy., Charlotte, from 12:30 to 4 p.m., EDT.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to support Aaron's children, with checks payable to Clark and Sophia Aapala, and mailed to Richard Aapala, 121 Wedgewood Drive, Charlotte, MI 48813. A GoFundMe account has also been established for Clark and Sophia.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.