Joseph Cepuran

Joseph Cepuran, age 81, of Novi, formerly of Northville and Dearborn, died January 17, 2021 at home with his wife by his side from complications of Parkinson’s Disease. Joseph carried on his fight against Parkinson’s by donating his brain to the Michigan Brain Bank for research purposes.

He was born on March 10, 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska; son of Joseph J. and Esther (nee Roether) Cepuran.  He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Omaha; Class of 1957.   Joseph was united in marriage to Patricia Williamsen, whom he met in study hall, on July 22, 1961; they spent 59 loving years devoted to one another.

Joseph moved throughout the country while pursuing his education.  He earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Omaha, a master’s degree from Florida State University, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Iowa in 1973.  He spent most of his teaching career at the University of Michigan Dearborn in Political Science and Public Administration.  He very much enjoyed his career teaching and mentoring students over his thirty plus years at University of Michigan Dearborn.  Throughout the years he was always pleased to hear back from students and tracked their careers in public service.

Joseph was a member of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Dearborn Retiree Association.  He was also a member of the Numismatics Association of Michigan.  Joseph had many pastimes including coin collecting and painting. He was a fiercely competitive game player, among his favorites were scrabble, poker, and euchre.  His dry sense of humor is what most will remember about him.  He enjoyed teasing his family and students alike.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Patricia W. Cepuran; his children, Lawrence (Laura) Cepuran, Christine (Douglas) Chaney, and Brian (Kathleen Batton) Cepuran; his grandchildren, Damion, Colin (Lauren) Allyson, Claire, Joseph, and Joshua; and his siblings, Rita Jones, Phillip Cepuran, and Kathleen Cepuran; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  During this difficult time please be sure to reach out to the family with a phone call, card, or online condolence.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Michigan Parkinson Foundation , 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, Michigan 48025.