People of all ages have their own reasons for loving this community. Here is just a sampling of what local residents have to say about living in Eaton Rapids:
Brian & Trish Wixson, a couple with three teenagers
The Wixsons have been residents of Eaton Rapids for five years, raising one daughter and two sons through their high school years. As Chief Information Officer for LAFCU, Brian and his wife, Trish, enjoy the safe, small-town atmosphere of Eaton Rapids.
“I grew up in Livonia and had a graduating class of 1,000,” recalls Brian. “Our kids know just about everyone at least to say ‘hi’ to in their class of 250 or so at Eaton Rapids High School.”
When the Wixsons were contemplating a move from their previous homes in Westland and Grand Blanc, they were immediately drawn to Eaton Rapids after driving around the city. “We noticed the vibrant downtown and were impressed by the school system,” says the Wixsons. “It just had a ‘good feel’ to it when we were looking around. We’ve never been sorry.”
Jeff & Samantha Griggs, new “transplants” from New York City
This Manhattan, NY “city” couple learned quickly how to enjoy the “slower speed” of Eaton Rapids when they moved here less than two years ago.
When Jeff was visiting his old school buddy, he noticed a house on the Grand River that he thought his wife, Samantha, would love. “It looked like an ‘east coast’ style house,” says Jeff. He was right - his wife did love the house, and they both adjusted their careers so they could make a move to Michigan. Today, they enjoy their “house on the river,” where they are raising their one-year old son with Midwestern values.
“I love the sense of community here,” says Samantha. “There’s more to Eaton Rapids than people think. It’s not just a ‘sleepy’ little town. There’s a ton of potential here for future development.”
Dorathea Manger, lifelong resident
Dorathea views her hometown of Eaton Rapids through the eyes of experience.
She and her husband raised three children here, enjoying her family’s friendly neighborhood while watching their children grow up. Now a widow, she enjoys close relationships with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren - although only one daughter lives in town with her family.
Now a resident of Edgewater Apartments in Eaton Rapids’ downtown, Dorathea loves the convenience of being able to walk downtown. She appreciates the variety of stores and enjoys “Music on the Island,” one of Eaton Rapids’ many community/cultural events.
She also has high praise for Eaton Rapids Medical Center and the medical services that are available in the community. “It’s a beautiful town,” says Dorathea of her hometown. “The parks and just everything make it a wonderful place to live.”
Ed McRee, retired president of Ingham Regional Medical Center, Lansing
Ed McRee and his wife, Jan, a retired teacher from Eaton Rapids Public Schools, love “coming home” to their 1862 Civil War vintage home in the city.
“There’s a sense of camaraderie and community that comes from living in a small town,” says Ed, who retired in 1994. “We have been residents here for over 50 years and even though I worked in the city and was a ‘commuter,’ I loved returning to the peacefulness of Eaton Rapids. Even today, it remains a treat.”
Jan McRee continues to be active in the community, serving as chairman of Community Assets, a local community improvement group. She started and directed a womens’ chorus that performed in town for over 30 years, also serving as a church choir director for more than 40 years.
Steven & Theresa Platte, family with school-age children
Residents of Eaton Rapids for the past 3 1/2 years, the Plattes were living in a nearby town when they decided to look for a smaller community with a good school system for their three school-age children.
“We knew a few people in Eaton Rapids and started looking for homes in area subdivisions,” recalls Theresa, a stay-at-home mom. “Everyone waved at us. That won us over!”
The Plattes have been thrilled with their choice to make Eaton Rapids their home. Their oldest daughter, now a graduate of Eaton Rapids High School, was hesitant to move here at first, but she is now the biggest “promoter” of Eaton Rapids. “She became senior class president and made a million friends,” says Theresa.
Steven Platte, a network engineer for the federal government, believes strongly that it’s worth the drive to his job in Battle Creek for his family to be able to live in Eaton Rapids.
Matt & Kelly Pekrul, family with young children
Both Matt and Kelly Pekrul grew up in Eaton Rapids, but like many young people, left the community and headed west - all the way to Oregon for seven years. Now they’re back home again and loving it.
With two children attending preschool in the fall, the Pekruls have appreciated their close ties to Eaton Rapids schools. In fact, Kelly serves as President of the Eaton Rapids Public Schools Education Foundation.
“We feel very positive about our schools,” says Kelly, “and can’t say enough about the new Montessori Preschool program at Lockwood Elementary. This really sets us apart from other communities.”
As a former facilities management company CEO, Kelly now channels her energy into school and community involvement, while her husband continues his career as a plastics engineer. Together, they enjoy kayaking and other family activities at their home on the Grand River.
