John Rzeppa

John Rzeppa, 93, died peacefully in his home on August 7, 2020. John was born on January 19, 1927 to John and Julia (Naiman) Rzeppa, in Detroit, MI. He was the third of nine children. He grew up in the city of Detroit, attended Pershing High School. John served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, on Guam. He was put in charge of running the officers club and played the saxophone with the Navy band. After the war, John and his brothers formed the “Chord O-Tones”, a local band well-known for playing at weddings, as well as birthday and anniversary parties. John worked in sales for General Electric for twenty years and was involved in implementing the packaging and display of G.E. appliances for the first K-Mart. He later owned Riverside Marina in Port Huron, MI for 10 years.

John married Marion Martz on November 21, 1953. They were married 55 years before her death in 2009. Their marriage produced two children, six grandchildren, and so far, fourteen great-grandchildren. John was known as “Peachie Pie” to his grandchildren, and to his great-grandchildren, he was “Big Papa.” In retirement, John loved to babysit his grandchildren; playing games, singing silly songs, and introducing them to Mr. Rogers Neighborhood and the A-Team. He taught his grandchildren the 3-b’s and, only occasionally, threatened them with “Dynamite or sure Death” which was always followed with laughter. You could always count on John to be armed with Kleenex and “grouch pills.”

John enjoyed trips to Disney World in the family motorhome, spending time on Bogie lake and the family cottage on Big Lake, watching Detroit Tigers baseball (even the re-runs!) and Westerns, but mostly he loved his family. For John, his family was the most important thing and he delighted in each and every visit from both family and friends. John was a kind man who loved those whom he knew with a “bushel and peck and a hug around your knee” ( nope, that’s note a typo…. Sometime it was your big toe)!

In addition to his wife, Marion, John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Julia; Step-Father, Zigmund Pazik; and siblings; Eleanor, Lorraine, Doris, and Melvin.

Entrusting him to God’s care and cherishing his memory are his children John (Donna) Rzeppa and Linda (Michael) Renema; his Peachies, Allison (Erica) Rzeppa, The Rev. Jennifer (Christopher) Kiefer, Abigail (Robert) Kleinhardt, Christopher (Jaime) Renema, Sarah (William) Frei, and Amanda Rzeppa; and his great-Peachies, Robert, Anna, Marion, Eleanor, Mollie, Josephine, Oliver, Irene, Joseph, Samuel, Alexander, Marik, Benjamin and Madison. He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings, Ray Rzeppa, Roy (Susie) Rzeppa, Christine (Steve) Szeliga, and Noreen (Larry) Belusz; sister-in-law, Dee Rzeppa; many nieces and nephews; friends and neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family or to Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Because of the Covid Pandemic. A graveside service for the immediate family only will be held. The family greatly appreciates your understanding regarding the attendance restrictions because of Covid. Your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time are appreciated.