Michael Jay Riepenhoff (52), an adored husband and loving father, brother, friend, coach, and mentor, passed away early morning Sunday, May 21st, 2023.

He was born to Madalyn and Don Riepenhoff on July 18, 1970, the youngest of eight siblings. He is preceded in death by his parents, Madelyn and Don Riepenhoff, his sister Katherine Riepenhoff, his niece Jessica Sanford, and his nephew Nick Burden. He is survived by his mother-in-law, Jacqueline (Garee) Dickerson.

Michael graduated from Lima Central Catholic in 1989, and later, he graduated summa cum laude from Franklin University with a Bachelors degree in Business.

Michael married the love of his life, Stephanie (Dickerson) Riepenhoff, in 1999. Together they have three children, Dru, Cecilia, and Michael Jay. For several years and until his passing, he dedicated countless hours at 20th Century Lanes, the bowling alley he owned and operated alongside his sister, Christina, and brother, James. He also loved coaching and mentoring athletes of all ages, but more importantly teaching them life lessons. Michael also worked as a branch manager for Kirby Risk and deeply valued the friendships he made in both Lima and Fort Wayne throughout his years there.

Michael’s favorite quote, and one he often told while giving guidance, was, “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born, and the day you find out why”. He found that he was here to serve others with compassion and patience, and he worked everyday to be the best version of himself so that he could do that. He truly embodied this in every aspect of his life; as a brother and father to some, as a manager and coach to others, and as a close friend to many.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Dickerson) Riepenhoff, his children, Dru Edwards (Jessica Capri), Cecilia Riepenhoff, and Michael Jay Riepenhoff II, and also his beloved grandson who meant the world to him, Jax Edwards. He is also survived by five sisters, Jane (Bill) Goodwin, Christina (John) Sanford, Sue (John) Burden, Carrie (Todd) Bredice, Donna (Tom) Judy, and three brothers, Bob (Tracey) Riepenhoff, John Riepenhoff, and James (Jeannie) Riepenhoff. Michael is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, over 20 great, and a few great-greats.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at CHILES-LAMAN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 26, 2023 at St. Rose Catholic Church, 523 N. West Street, Lima, with Father David M. Ross officiating.

Interment will be in Gethsemani Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.