Oo Tungpinyosiri

Oo Amares Watthaka Tungpinyosiri, 19, of Thailand and Central Lake, died peacefully March 5, in Thailand with his sister Na-Pat and best friend Chris Corbett holding his hands as he gained his angel wings.

Ooz was born December 12, 1996 in Korat, Thailand, the son of Pinyadapat Pinyo and Chucharoen Tungkulsiri.

His journey to America began in the late summer of 2012, when he was a Rotary Exchange Student. His first host family was George and Sarah Thayer of Central Lake, and their children George, Erika, Reeve, and Nathan. Following several months of living with the Thayer's, he moved in with the Mortensen family for the duration of his time in America.

Ooz attended Central Lake High School, and enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball where he gained many great friends and relationships. His infectious smile and contagious laugh would light up any room he walked in. His outgoing and happy personality made him easily loved by many. Ooz loved "bro time," when all the guys would get together and hangout for endless hours laughing, playing video games, and being in the sauna. He also enjoyed late night bonfires, foosball tournaments, and spending time at Nana and Papa's house. Ooz was adventurous and gullible, always willing to try anything in order to be like the other "typical American boys." He enjoyed taking road trips too, such as going to Mackinaw Island, the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.

Family was everything to Ooz. Surviving him are his parents, 2 sisters, a brother, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family in Thailand. He is also survived by his beloved American family, parents Ron and Holly Mortensen, sister Jaynee, brothers Isaac and Gavin, grandparents Gary and Susie Mortensen, Chet and Mary Szymanski, aunts and uncles Stephanie and Jason, Chet and Kelly Anne, Joy and Harry, Amy and Ryan, special cousins Brandon and Bridgette and many other cousins as well. Friends too numerous to mention also survive as well as his favorite dog BoBo who he cuddled constantly when he was here.

Ooz was able to come home to America December 18, 2015 and spend several weeks here visiting his family and friends, making more memories and sharing more love with all he knew. He may have lost his 14 month battle to bone cancer but he never lost his zest for life!

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 20, at 2 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Pastor Gary Bekkering officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of service. Burial will take place this summer in the Mortensen family plot in Southern Cemetery. Memorial donations can be given to the Central Lake Athletic Fund, PO BOX 128, Central Lake, MI 49622 to be used for the football program.

Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.