John (Johnnie) Tuitel, age 61 from Grand Rapids, MI traded his wheels for wings on July 15, 2025. Johnnie was born in Grand Rapids, MI on September 10, 1963. He is the son of Pete and Maria Tuitel.
Johnnie grew up in East Grand Rapids, MI, and his life was anything but ordinary. He was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth and from the day he came into this world, he was defying all odds. As he grew up with his family supporting him, it became a mission that he was treated no differently because of his disability. Johnnie wheeled through societal normalcy at the time and was enrolled at East Grand Rapids public schools. After completing high school he attended Hope College in Holland, MI.
As Johnnie’s life continued, he gained a passion for doing things that he was told he couldn’t do because of his disability. He was an author of the “Gun Lake Adventure Series.” He played a key role in the founding years of Paws with a Cause, an organization that trains and matches service dogs with those in need. He received the “Unsung Hero Award” from President Gerald Ford, and the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from Hope College. He was a motivational speaker and a co-founder of the non-profit organization Alternatives in Motion, which donates wheelchairs and other medical equipment to those in need.
As a motivational speaker Johnnie told his story and touched hearts all over the country. He didn’t share his story to make people feel bad for him, but he did it to empower others. He had the opportunity to speak for numerous schools, camps and businesses across the country and his message continues to leave an impact on the world today.
Johnnie was an honorary stand-up comedian (pun intended), he was the life of the party and everywhere he went he was cracking jokes. Appropriate or not, Johnnie’s jokes would truly make you fall out of your chair. He was passionate about football, specifically the Miami Dolphins, but would watch any game no matter who was playing. It was hard to find someone who loved music more than him, from pop to country, from jazz to rock and roll, he would listen to it all, especially if someone recommended something to him. His personal favorites were The Who, Steely Dan, and Todd Rundgren.
He loved his family with everything that he had, and to Johnnie, everyone was family. He was preceded in death by his brother Pete Tuitel Jr. He is survived by his three sons, Nick Tuitel, PJ (Abbey) Tuitel and Joel (Dani) Tuitel. Two granddaughters, Magnolia and Juniper Tuitel. His father and mother Pete Tuitel Sr and Maria Tuitel. Brother Donald (Amy) Tuitel. Sisters Corry (Derrick) Volchoff and Elsa (Chuck) King. Sister in-law Angie Tuitel. Nephews Tristan, Brendan, Chaz, Jared and Fizzy. Nieces Brianna, Jenna, Maggie, Helen, Ashley, Morgan, Lexi and Maria. His bonus son and caregiver Kenny Morris, and his lifelong friends Todd Verbeek and Joel Barr.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to family to help cover costs, or to Paws with a Cause and Renew Mobility (Alternatives in Motion) as these causes were near and dear to Johnnie’s heart.
A formal visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 25 from 12:00PM-3:00PM and 5:00PM-8:00PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
There will be a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, July 26 further details will follow.
One Response
I knew Johnnie back in the EGR school days. He was always having some sort of fun. So many laughs! It was always great hearing his name associated with the books and the other positive initiatives he was involved with. Each tine, I remembered him fondly and was proud to just have known him. What a huge impact he had on so many!! God had blessed the world with Johnnie.