John J. Stepanovich D.D.S.

John J. Stepanovich D.D.S. age 89, of Grand Rapids went to be with his Lord on Tuesday September 8, 2020. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Stepanovich (Stack), sons John and Joseph, brother Jerry, and brother-in-law James Lovell. Surviving are his cherished children Timothy (Maridean) Stepanovich, James Stepanovich, Ann (Steve) Dabkowski, Paul Stepanovich and daughter-in-law Gina Stepanovich; grandchildren; Steven, Jeff, Greg, Katie, Andrew, Zachary and Gabe, Elizabeth and Sarah, John, Paul, Michael, Gloria and great-grandchild Charlie. John is also survived by his siblings Dolores Lovell of Long Island, NY and David (Norma) Stepanovich of Petosky, MI, his in-laws Joseph Daniel (Ann) Stack of Denver, CO, and Pat Stepanovich and many special nieces and nephews. John was born in Grand Rapids to Lithuanian immigrant parents, John and Alice. John had a quest as a lifelong learner starting at St. Peter's & Paul's Elementary school, Catholic Central High School '49, and Aquinas College '52 where he met the love of his life, Mary. In 1958, he graduated from Marquette University Dental School. He joined the Air Force his senior year and reported to Pease A.F.B in Portsmouth, New Hampshire for a three year tour of duty. Rank of Captain USAF Dental Service. Always learning, always caring, and always serving. Dentistry was the conduit through which John's love of people flowed. He mentored many new associates, an instructor at GRCC, and served on numerous boards and committees. John practiced dentistry in Grand Rapids for 53 years, spending 40 of those at his Mercy Health Saint Mary's office. He was the recipient of the WMDDS 2006 Silent Bell Award along with numerous awards and recognitions for his service to others. To love what you do and do it well was truly his gift. He was a faithful servant of the Catholic Church, a longstanding member of Serra Club International, St. Lazare's Retreat House and St. Thomas the Apostle Church. On the fun side, John enjoyed sailing, gardening, woodcarving, natural golf, and was an avid angler. John and Mary also loved traveling the world, experiencing cultures and sharing memories. John's legacy and greatest joy was his family, he played a huge role in their lives helping to keep him forever young. He touched many lives creating smiles, instilling confidence and leading the example of serving others. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, please meet at the church (Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required at the church). Interment Resurrection Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Arsulowicz Brothers East Mortuary, 937 Michigan St. NE (Due to COVID-19, masks and social distancing are required). The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Clark Retirement Community and Emmanuel Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a memorial donation to support community health programs for the underserved by sending a gift to Saint Mary's Foundation, 200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or the residential care program at D.A. Blodgett-St. John's, 805 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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John J. Stepanovich D.D.S.

February 12, 1931 - September 8, 2020