Ethan James Schlappi was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on September 4, 2008, to Rose and Nathan Schlappi. The family moved to Freeport the next year. He grew up there as a country boy, building forts, catching snakes and frogs, picking berries and running barefoot with his siblings, cousins and friends who became family. At age seven he got a six-inch wire stuck in his foot and called himself "the most dangerous man in Barry County."
Ethan spent his boyhood summers watching demolition derbies. As he grew up, he learned to fix cars with his dad, his brother and his grandfathers so he could race in them himself. He built his derby team from the ground up with very little money and named it No Budget Racing, with the tagline "Straight Outta Freeport." He raced the 419 car. Barry County was his favorite track and Ionia a close second. He also restored cars and talked about starting a car-flipping business with his brother, Ean.
Ethan was respectful, reliable, funny and kind, and smart as a whip. He had the charm to bargain with anyone, and he finished every project he started. People often called him an "old soul" because he was wise beyond his years. He was planning to begin work in the fall as an apprentice diesel mechanic with his girlfriend Amber's dad, Todd.
Ethan and Amber Simmons had been together for almost three years. Amber had a crush on him in elementary school, and it grew into the love of her life. They enjoyed derbies and cared for their ducks, chickens and tiger cat, Buck. They grew flowers, strawberries and blueberries in their garden and planned to add fruit trees. Amber's family gave Ethan travel, culture and the love of a second family.
Ethan died on July 25, 2026, at the age of 17, in a car accident. He is cherished by his parents, Nathan and Rose, and by his many siblings, nieces and nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, racetrack family and friends. A memorial service was held at the Freeport Community Center, followed by a short procession to the Freeport Cemetery.
I’ve never had more fun at a job than when I got to work with Ethan. He made working 10 hours feel like 10 minutes. He was funny and cocky to the point that he would make fun of everyone and everything. I remember our coworkers telling me that they thought Ethan hated them because he barely talked to them, but he told me he just didn’t know what to talk about. I just thought that was funny because he wouldn’t shut up when we were on the shift together. Miss you forever Ethan.
