Edward Peplinski

Edward Joseph Peplinski (Maple City) left for his eternal home on July 10, 2018, having worn many hats in his 90 years: devoted husband, father, farmer, school bus driver, Air Force mechanic, custodian, iron worker, community and parish board member, and volunteer. With nicknames such as “Sheriff” and “Stump Jumper,” Ed enjoyed a good laugh alongside the company and respect of many co-workers, family members, and friends. At the dances held above the Cedar Tavern in the late 1940s, an intelligent and handsome young Ed met Beatrice Gauthier (equally smart, beautiful, and hardworking) and swept her off her feet. They married in September 1950, and together successfully raised seven children, milked 30-some cows twice a day for 40+ years, and worked a variety of part-time jobs, never compromising their family's health and stability … unless you consider hay season. As hard as he worked, Ed also knew how to play. He especially enjoyed hunting and ice fishing with his boys and extended family, snowmobiling, boating, and winning lively (read “loud”) Euchre games late into the night. “One at a time. That's good fishin',” he'd say as his partner added another point to their score cards. Polka dances at the church hall were always a favorite night out. To keep his mind sharp, Ed's current book of crossword puzzles, thick mechanical pencil, and falling-apart-with-use dictionary were always open on the dining room table. After selling the dairy cows and retiring from Glen Lake Community Schools, Ed spent his later years growing small cash crops and traveling with his bride. His upbringing and devotion to the Catholic faith compelled them to travel to Rome, the Holy Land, Medjugorje (near Croatia), and around the country to visit their family. Ed is survived by Bea, and six of their seven children: Robert Peplinski of Lake Ann; Ruth (Kurt) Sebaly of Trenton; Ed Peplinski Jr. of Springfield, MA; Sharon (Stephen) Conley of Middletown, MD; Diana (Stephen) Tarsa of Cedar, and Neil (Heather) Peplinski of North Barrington, IL. Son Donald (Debra) Peplinski died in 2012. Ed and Bea are proud of all their children and (great) grandchildren: Kerri, Hunter and Braydon Reed; Joshua, Brandon and Sky Vanderberg-Peplinski; Jessica and Sarah Sebaly; Elizabeth Sousa and Alison Peplinski; Meghan Hubbard, Robin Richardson, and Lisa Conley; Forrest, Elise, Kaelyn, and Haley Tarsa; and Emma, Samuel, and Abigail Peplinski. In his family of origin with 12 siblings, he is survived only by his younger sister Theresa (Leonard) Schaub. Ed, Dad, Dzia Dzia,… you are already missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, St Rita's Catholic Church; 8707 Hill St, Maple City, MI 49664, St. Phillip of Neri Catholic Church; 1141 S. LaCore Rd. P.O. Box 257, Empire, MI 49630 or Penrickton Center for Blind Children; 26530 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI, 48180. The family is being ministered to by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning Friday July 13th at St. Rita's Church from 5-7pm. A rosary will be prayed at 7pm. The Rite of Christian Burial will take place at St. Rita's Church on Saturday July 14, 2018 at 11:00am with visitation one hour prior. Ed's final resting place will be at St. Rita's Cemetery in Maple City. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family on Ed’s tribute page.

Edward Peplinski

January 14, 1928 - July 10, 2018