Everyone at Cowsmopolitan extends their most sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of Michigan Jersey Breeder William Piepkow of Olivet, who passed away on February 27th.
William R. “Bill” Piepkow, 67, of Olivet died February 27, 2017 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
Bill was born on October 3, 1949 in Charlotte to Paul and Blanche (Lake) Piepkow. He graduated from Olivet High School in 1967, and from Michigan State University short course program in dairy production. On July 26, 1984 he married Melanie Fountain in Marshall.
Bill worked and helped operate the family farm in Lee Township his entire life. He was a lifetime member of the Lee Center United Methodist Church. Bill was active in church from a young age; As a young child, he acted as the Sunday School Treasurer, and played on the Lee Center Basketball team. He currently served on the Pastor Parish Relations committee. Bill served his community on the Olivet School Board for 13 years and was on the Lee Township Board of Review. He also served the farm community with his work though the Michigan and Calhoun County Farm Bureau where he served as past president, and on many different committees. He also was an important part of the Michigan Jersey Cattle Association and he was the last dairy superintendent of the Michigan State Fair in Detroit. Bill enjoyed playing softball and going to casinos. Bill loved his community but his family was the biggest part of his life. He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s sporting events, telling stories, and playing euchre, including games every Sunday with friends and family.
He is survived by his wife Melanie of Olivet; children, Tara (Joe) Cousino of Virginia, Travis (Heather) Piepkow, Sara Piepkow, Bradford (Andrea) Piepkow, and Matthew (Jessica) Fountain all of Olivet; 17 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; four siblings, Paul (Dianne) Piepkow of Olivet, Tom (Pat) Piepkow of Battle Creek, Mary (Joe) Barkley of Olivet, and Jayne (Mark) Voss of Olivet, and his mother Blanche Piepkow of Olivet. He was preceded in death by his father and a grandson Willee Piepkow.
Visitation will take place at the Kempf Family Funeral Home, Marshall Chapel 723 US 27 North on Sunday, March 5, 2017 from 1-7pm with family present to greet friends from 1-4pm and 5-7pm. Funeral services celebrating his life will take place at 11am on Monday March 6, 2017 at the Kempf funeral Home Marshall Chapel with Reverend James Gysel officiating. The family requests you wear casual attire including Bill’s favorite sporting teams; Olivet Eagles, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Michigan State University.
Memorial contributions are requested to the Lee Center United Methodist Church or to the Olivet FFA Alumni to assist with senior scholarships. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com