Joseph LePoudre Jr.

Joseph Charles LePoudre, Jr. passed away unexpectedly in his Sterling Heights home on July 21, 2026. He is survived by his two sons Eric (Rachel) and Matthew (Betty), his three grandchildren Winston, Sophie, and Milo, brothers Jerry (Karen), Michael (Gisella), Daniel (Kimberly), and Patrick (Teresa), sister Shirley, and many adored in-laws, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Christine, mother Irene, father Joseph, and sister Robin-Ann. He was born on October 25, 1950 in Detroit and graduated from Finney High School where he played football. He didn't talk much about his time in the military, but served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 where he was recognized for his M-16 sharpshooting expertise. He went on to work as a carpenter before training as a CNC machinist, working for Lanzen Fabricating for 30+ years. One through-line in his life was his love of his wife, Christine, whom he lovingly referred to as Chrissy. After dating, they married and never left each other's side for 43 years until she passed away in 2025. He spent the first 30 years relying on her for most everything and the better part of the next 13 years caring for her after a stroke - learning to cook, clean, do laundry and housework without a second thought. He never failed to make her laugh and would rush in excitedly to tell a new joke he had just heard. He was a true hockey dad and spent more time in the rink with his boys than anywhere else. Road trips to Canada, Colorado, Alabama, and every corner of Michigan were the norm. When he wasn't behind the wheel of a Ford SUV loaded with hockey bags, he loved to play golf and sit in the garage and watch rainstorms next to his rebuilt 1935 Mercedes Benz. He loved his two Siberian Huskies - Jakardo and Zoey. He and Chrissy could often be found on long walks through Dodge Park chasing after a mud-covered pup. While he adored his huskies, later in life he found a love for cats and they became his ultimate armchair companions. He was most proud of being a grandpa. No one on earth could make Winston, Sophie, and Milo smile and laugh like he could. Roughhousing, playing cars, taking naps, or giving noogies - Grandpa #1 was a #1 grandpa. His absence will leave a huge hole in our world, but he can rest easy knowing our love for him and the memories he made with us will never fade. Joseph's family will receive friends for visitation on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks East of Van Dyke), Utica, followed by entombment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Twp.

Joseph LePoudre Jr.

October 25, 1950 - July 21, 2026