Cody Joseph Stepanian

Cody will be deeply missed by so many, although at times he carried a sense of loneliness. He struggled with his emotions throughout his life, and all who knew and loved him did their best to support him. For that, his family is forever grateful. We do not believe Cody left to hurt anyone, but rather to find peace from the pain he carried.

He was the best son, brother, grandson, cousin, uncle, friend, co-worker, and Staff Sergeant anyone could ask for. He is survived by his loving parents, Judy and Chuck; his brother Chad and sister-in-law Mariah; and his cherished nephews Carson, Colton, Hudson, and Oliver—known affectionately as “the brothers.” Cody shared an unbreakable bond with his brother Chad and was recently in a relationship that brought him many happy moments.

Cody had a passion for working with his hands and loved spending time with Chad and friends working on cars, motorcycles, trucks, jet skis, and snowmobiles. He was the best man to Chad and best man for his close friend Tyler, who plans to rebuild Cody’s cherry red GTP in his honor. Although Cody was in Cuba, he was still his brother Chad’s Best Man! Cody grew up surrounded by cousins near his age, and holidays and family gatherings were filled with laughter and unforgettable memories. Cody was especially close to his grandparents and treasured the time spent with them.

Cody was always a good student. He graduated from Milford High School and went on to attend OCC and Oakland University. He had a deep love for animals, including Brownie, the family dog, and Luna, Chad and Mariah’s dog. He also helped care for Judy’s eight feral cats.

Cody was active in sports and Boy Scouts and enjoyed traveling and camping with family and friends. He had a strong work ethic, beginning his first job at just 14 years old. At the time of his passing, he was employed at Midpoint Construction/ATI as a carpenter, where he spoke often and fondly of his current projects and work family.

In August 2014, Cody began his military career with the Army National Guard. In 2026, he recently was promoted to Staff Sergeant—an achievement that makes his family incredibly proud. He was known among his military peers as a “go-to guy” and someone to be promoted ahead of his peers, yet he remained humble. As a Military Police officer, Cody served in Eastern Europe, completed a year in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, supported the Army’s COVID-19 response, and participated in domestic protection deployments. The word “Valhalla,” shared often by his fellow service members, reflects the deep respect and brotherhood he earned.

Cody was a man of faith. He attended church regularly and often shared meaningful conversations about faith with those close to him. His family finds comfort in believing he is now wrapped in God’s love.

He loved talking about sports and will be deeply missed in those everyday conversations. Cody was also a talented artist, known especially for his drawing of Michael Jordan. Recently, he began drawing Pokémon with his nephews, creating memories they will carry forever.

A military interment with full honors will be held on July 3, 2026, 9:00 am at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, where two of his grandparents are also laid to rest. The service will be brief, approximately 15 minutes, followed by a luncheon in Lucky’s Steakhouse in Fenton, MI from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. RSVP by letting Chuck, Judy or Chad know if you can attend. We really hope his family and friends, work and military family from all parts of his life can come and share stories.

The US Army also has a Veterans Legacy Memorial website. Google “veterans legacy memorial” website.

Click on: https://www.vlm.cem.va.gov/

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Knowing how deeply Cody was loved brings comfort to his family during this time of profound loss.

God bless you all—and VALHALLA!