With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather on Thursday evening September 28, 2023, after battling a serious illness for many years.
Johannes was born on January 4, 1939, the last child of 11 in the middle of World War 2 in Konigsberg, Prussia which at the time was part of Germany. He resided with his family in communist East Germany until the end of 1979 when he and his family through the help of American Agents were able to leave and reunite with his mother who was already living in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He will be missed greatly by not only his wife, his four children, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, but most of all he will be missed by many friends that touched his life through the church and through his passion for woodwork.
He left behind great memories through his love and craftsmanship and his ability to help others in need being able to touch and help many lives through his 84 wonderful years on this earth. He is now reunited with his large family of brothers and sisters which all passed before him.
Throughout his life he was faithful to the LDS church, his wife and children; always being there for all of them. He will be greatly missed for his love and wisdom.
His viewing will be held on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Canyon Ridge Ward (2695 East fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights). His funeral service will be held the next day, Saturday October 7, 2023, at 11:00 am with a viewing prior from 10:00 – 10:45 am at the ward. Interment will take place at Mountain View Memorial Cemetery.
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Johannes was a great craftsman and an inspiration when we worked together years ago. My wife and I also had the great privilege of sharing a few meals together with our work friends. I’m sad to hear that he’s gone now. I’ll bet he’s in a better place.
My father was a great inspiration in my life and for many others as well. I'm really having a hard time dealing with him being gone. I will miss his laugh, and his smile and his funny jokes but most importantly his hugs and stories from when he was a boy growing up with 9 other brothers and sisters. His Spirit was so strong and no matter what he always made sure to tell me to never forget my heavenly father and that he loves me. I know he is is in a better place and will get to see his parents and siblings.. He was the toughest man I know and the most dedicated person to his woodwork. He always put his family number one and faught till his very last breath..I love him Soo much and my heart is at a loss at this time but I hope as time goes on it will get easier for me. Ich liebe dich Papa!!!Rest in peace Papi and give Ella oma a hug from me please...
Love your daughter, Cindy Rzepkowski
Johannes, my Grandfather, or as we fondly called him, Opa, was truly a miraculous man. A master craftsman in his trade, he possessed a wealth of wisdom and exuded a confident solidarity that left an indelible mark on my life. Over the years, I've always looked up to Opa, drawing inspiration from his time in the service, a unique connection that became a cornerstone of our bond.
Reflecting on the memories we shared, particularly those spent in Bear Lake and the warmth of family gatherings during Christmas, brings a flood of emotions. Opa's presence during these moments added a special, irreplaceable dimension to our family times. The echoes of his craftsmanship and the stories of he shared became threads that wove our family together, creating a plethora of shared experiences.
Opa's craftsmanship wasn't merely about creating objects; it was a manifestation of his unwavering work ethic and meticulous attention to detail. The tangible products of his labor stand as testaments to his dedication to excellence. His craft was a form of artistry that went beyond the physical, leaving an imprint on everyone fortunate enough to witness it.
His wisdom, accrued through a life rich in experiences, became a guiding light for me. Whether through words of advice or the example he set, Opa's teachings have played a significant role in shaping my character and values.
As I reflect on Opa's life, I can't help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the unique bond we shared. His legacy is not only in the tangible things he created but in the intangible aspects of love, guidance, and shared moments that continue to influence me. The memories we created together are a source of comfort and strength, and while Opa may no longer be physically present, his spirit lives on in the echoes of his laughter and the warmth of his teachings.
Opa, you will truly be missed, but your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you touched. As I carry forward the lessons you imparted and cherish the memories we created, I find solace in knowing that your influence continues to shape my journey.
I knew of Johannes’ talents as a carpenter but I will remember him for his talent as a disciple of Christ. I served with Brother and Sister Shepkowski as missionaries in West Valley in. Spanish speaking ward. The language was no barrier to him. He spoke the language of Christ’s love. I know he touched hearts and helped testimonies grow while serving there, because he touched my heart and strengthened my testimony through his example. My grandparents were born in Koenigsburg and I can imagine that our families knew each other there before the war. Perhaps they helped us to meet and serve together as guardians on the other side of the veil. I regret not reaching out again sooner. We always think that there’s more time ahead when in fact we never know. I look forward to the day we meet again. I love you Brother!
To my loving, hard working and all around amazing grandfather, as I would call him opa,. it is with such a heavy heart that we have to say goodbye to you on this day and I am truly taking it very hard. I have so many found memories growing up and going to bear lake every summer and all the memories we made there, to going camping and the time I most loved was the holidays when we would all come over to your house and we would celebrate as a family and for Christmas “Santa” would be there. I remember one time we where at bear lake and we are in the water and you just kept diving like a fish and you would say “look I’m like a fish” and then you’d dive in. I’m going to miss you so much and we will see eachother again some day opa. love you opa, may you rest in peace and watch over us as we carry on with our lives.
-love your granddaughter Jessica Rzepkowski
