Joseph "Joe" Carl Kapelczak

It is with profound sadness that we announce Joseph (Joe) Carl Kapelczak passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply. 

If you knew Joe, chances are you also knew all about his family. He spoke often and proudly of his four daughters, his five granddaughters, and, of course, his two grandsons. His family was undoubtedly his greatest joy and purpose in life. Sharing stories of their accomplishments, offering updates on their latest adventures, Joe's love for his family was evident in every conversation. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sharon Kapelczak; his sister Anne Holmberg; his four daughters, Lori (Clay) Donnell, Lisa Lievois, Leann (Matt) Lee, and Laine (Tim) Egan; his cherished grandchildren, Mackenzie Lievois (fiancé Brendan Darling), Maxwell Lievois, Alexis Shaver, Ava Lee, Owen Marks, Kolby Marks, and Emery Marks; his right hand man for 47 years, Michael Bartlett; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and step-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Rose Kapelczak, and his sister, Germaine Larkin. 

Joseph was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Harper Woods, class of 1962. Following graduation, he began his surveying career at Johnson & Anderson, Inc. at the age of 19. In 1966, Joe enlisted in the United States Army National Guard as the chief surveyor, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7) in 1981. However, before completing his time in the Army National Guard, he co-founded JCK & Associates, Inc. in 1978 and was named Novi Businessman of the Year in 2001. He then transitioned to owning a smaller operation and established Tri County Surveying, where he continued doing the work he loved until the day of his passing. Known for his expertise, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence, Joseph earned the respect of colleagues throughout the industry and was a proud member of the Oakland County Plat Engineers and a lifetime member of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors. He was also a lifetime member of the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club, where he acted on the board, and even coached some of his grandchildren on the Jr. Bullseye Team and attended their Fish Frys. Besides being a member of the Sportsman's Club, he was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Novi Rotary Club, the Michigan Municipal League, the Optimist Club, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks Club, and was on the board of Directors of the Motorsports Hall of Fame. 

While surveying was his profession, earning his pilot's license was another proud accomplishment; you could often find him flying with his family on hot summer nights. In his life, he led with confidence and with an appreciation for the world around him. Joe embraced every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with those he loved. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, an enthusiastic golfer, and an accomplished fisherman and hunter. His two most cherished places were his self-built hunting camp in Baraga, Michigan, and Wildwood Resort in Red Bay, Ontario, where he looked forward to taking his family every summer. He was also an exceptional cook who found great joy in preparing meals for his family, friends, and neighbors, 

always welcoming others around his table. Whether on the golf course, on the water, in the kitchen, or cheering on the Tigers, Joe found happiness in sharing his passions and creating memories with his family. 

Joe was a gifted storyteller, and those stories were about much more than the events themselves. Each one carried a lesson, a piece of wisdom, or a perspective gained through a lifetime of experience. He had a remarkable ability to turn every conversation into something meaningful, leaving those around him with something to think about long after the story had ended. His knowledge seemed endless. 

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, his love of the outdoors, his devotion to his family, and the kindness and wisdom he shared with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on through the family he loved so deeply and the many lives he touched. 

A visitation honoring Joe’s life will be held at Coats Funeral Home- Clarkston, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. 

A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Waterford on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., lying in state beginning at 9:30 a.m. 

Interment with Military Honors will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in Joe’s name to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project. 

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