John Patrick Rzeppa

November 19 , 1951 - January 23 , 2026

VISITATIONS:

Thursday, January 29, 2026

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home

SERVICES:

Thursday, January 29, 2026

5:00 PM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Inurnment in Michigan Memorial Park

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Obituary

John Patrick Rzeppa, born on November 19, 1951, in Wyandotte, Michigan, passed away on January 23, 2026, in Dearborn, Michigan, at the age of 74.

John's life was marked by a deep passion for sports, particularly through his over 50 years of dedication to officiating basketball, football, and softball. His commitment to these sports was a testament to his love for the games and his desire to contribute to his community.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Jeana Rzeppa, with whom he shared 53 cherished years. John is also survived and adored by his three children, Kathryn (Steve) Krohn, Michael (Mary McEwen) Rzeppa, and Susan (Michael) Bjerke. He took great pride in his role as a grandfather to his five grandchildren: Haley Rzeppa, Laney Rzeppa, Sierra Rhoads, Grace Krohn, and Maggie Krohn.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Virginia Rzeppa, and his daughter-in-law, Mary McEwen. He leaves behind his siblings Shirley (Dennis) Rader, Joe (Diane) Rzeppa, and Jim Rzeppa, who will all miss him dearly.

John's legacy lives on through his family, friends, and the countless players and fellow officials whose lives he touched throughout his years on and off the field and court. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Condolences

Mark and I were shocked and saddened by the news of John’s passing. I saw him at Midnight Mass 2025. Our deepest sympathy to Jeana and John’s family. We know he will be missed. God Bless and Grant eternal rest to him. Machnacki Family
To the Rzeppa family please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of John. I didn't know him well but I know what he meant to my Rebecca and her family. Not everyone gets a family member so adored and respected. My only words of solace is I know you will see each other again. God Bless you all. 🙏🏽 Cheryl Gibson
Kenn and I worked for Express Personnel with John driving cars for Roush. John was a great guy. Also, saw him at Ice Skating shows where my great niece was coached by his daughter. Also, living a few blocks away we ran into John often. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Gods blessings. Kenneth & Jean Miller
So immensely surprised and saddened to hear of John's passing. We just recently saw him reffing our granddaughter's basketball game at St Joes in Trenton. He looked so good and healthy! My condolences to Jeanna and his beautiful family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Vicki Moreno
I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Rzeppa and his beautiful family. Thank you Mr. Rzeppa for your kindness. You will be missed. Kristine Elledge
Our condolences to the Rzeppa family. I first met John at Municipal service when I hired in as a laborer and honestly didn’t know how to take him. But after awhile I caught on to that dry sarcastic humor and we had fun cutting up at the West side garage. Fast forward many years later when I started coaching Wyandotte Wilson softball 🥎 and lo and behold who shows up to ump John, you couldn’t beat a smile off my face. A few shots he gave me, each one preceded by a sigh: -Do you have a pitching coach? -Hey coach my strike zone won’t get that big, call up the bull pen. And there was many more. Some seasons we’d get John and some we didn’t. And sadly I will miss his one liners and good natured fun. He was also a great ump and called them fair despite the razzing I playfully gave him. He will be sorely missed on the diamond at 15th and Goddard. Rest in peace Blue. Duane Hanson
I have known John for over 50 years ! John was the one who got me interested in becoming an umpire in summer recreation softball in Wyandotte, Trenton, and Dearborn 45 years ago ! Then, about 10 years later I got into umpiring high school girls fast pitch , and being a referee for high school basketball and football ! I did many games with John over the years. John was a very good sports official who knew the rules and knew how to manage a game ! John and I also umpired many girls fast pitch travel softball tournament games together ! John will be missed by many people in the sports competition in the area ! I also had the pleasure of working with the 2 twin brothers of John, ( Jim and Joe ) for over 20 years at Wayne County ! May God Bless John , his family , and his friends , Larry Martin
I was so sad to hear about John’s passing, I’ve known the Rzeppas since high school, I was more friends with Jim and Joe , John was a couple years older , his daughters Kathryn and Susan coach my granddaughters skating team and John was a great announcer at the ice shows. John had a great sense of humor and he will be missed by many. RIP JOHN George Srabian
Jeana & family, John was a great guy and fun to be around. I’ll never forget watching a game in his man cave. I really don’t remember the game itself, but the way John made me feel right at home. It was like he had just seen me the day before, when really it had been years. I know how much you will miss him, all who knew him will . Jeanie Hubbard 6zhsr