Finesa Jean Gampel

Finesa Jean Gampel, 65, of Bridgman, unexpectedly passed away on April 16, 2022 at her home. She’s now home with her Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Woodland Shores Baptist Church, 3555 W Shawnee Road, Bridgman, MI. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Memorial contributions may be given to the Gampel Family to help defray funeral expenses. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com.

Finesa was born November 21, 1956 in Mishawaka, Indiana, the daughter of the late Paul and Elsie (Knapp) Townsend. She grew up on a blueberry farm in Sawyer picking fresh berries alongside her brother, Jeffrey R. Townsend. After graduating from River Valley High School in 1974, she worked at the Firebird Restaurant at the Sawyer Truck Stop.

She met Carl, the love of her life, at Olivet Church in Bridgman. Their love story began while volunteering at VBS; That week they shared long chats around his motorcycle and a flirtatious shortcake throwing incident. About two years later, they married on July 17, 1982 and shared the next 39 years raising their kids, laughing, helping others and hauling their camper up to Yankee Springs State Park to camp for a few weeks each summer.

Finesa delighted in sipping hot coffee from her front deck overlooking the grapefield and going for long drives in the countryside around New Troy while marveling at nature, especially when the fall colors were on full display. One of the simplest pleasures she enjoyed was walking barefoot through a freshly-tilled garden. Finesa cared for many beloved pets over her years and all the critters who came to her home.

She was a treasured “room mom” at her kids schools and was heavily involved at Woodland Shore Baptist Church as her kids grew up - often volunteering to paint sets for kids programs and leading craft time during Sunday School. Speaking of crafting, she loved crocheting, cross stitching, sewing, painting, and adding glitter to anything and everything.

Finesa brought the pizazz into every room she entered. She was sassy, kind and resilient. She adored the time spent with friends and alongside her family, watching her kids and grandkids grow; and times gathered together at family cookouts.

Her career included jobs at Harding’s in Bridgman, Great Lakes Cleaning and babysitting services at Immanuel Lutheran Church. But above all else, she was a loving wife, mom, daughter, sister and grandma (lovingly called Gramma Nessa).

Survivors include her husband, Carl; their children: Chuck (Ana) Mcilroy, Roger Gampel and Kelly Gampel; grandchildren: Jordan, Owen, Kylee, Nadya and Colton; and a brother, Jeffrey R. Townsend.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, The Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.