Dennis John Lepisto, 69 of Wataga, Illinois passed away July 14,2023 at his home.
He was born July 12,1954 in New Castle, Pennsylvania the son of Carl William and Lila Miriam (Karki) Lepisto. Dennis graduated from Shenango High School, New Castle, Pennsylvania class of 1972 and Edinboro State College of Pennsylvania class of 1976. He married Diane Thomas. They divorced. Dennis met Georgia Knapp in San Diego, California and they were married September 28,1985 in Wataga, Illinois. Together they had two sons. Caleb William Lepisto and Tristan John Lepisto.
After a work injury prevented Dennis from returning to work when his boys were young, he accepted that and excelled at being Mr. Mom. He took care of their home and supported his wife in her job. He made amazing memories with his two sons. Days were spent bicycling, fishing, turtle hunting, playing sports, drawing, reading, school activities, listening to music and so much more. Most importantly he taught his two boys the qualities of becoming two amazing men. All this while earning a secondary degree at Carl Sandburg Community College, class of 2011.
Dennis was an artist. His artwork is displayed throughout his home for all to appreciate. He loved the outdoors, bicycling, fishing, music, yoga, photography, and dogs. He never met a dog who didn’t love him. He was an avid Pittsburgh fan. The Steelers, Penguins and he tried really hard to be a Pirates fan. Most of all he loved his family and friends.
He will be remembered as the man who never complained, even after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2010. It is because of Dennis that the international program Rock Steady Boxing was brought to Galesburg in 2017. Rock Steady was founded in Indiana in 2006 with a mission to empower people with Parkinson’s Disease to fight back.
Dennis was 100% Finnish. He lived his life with Sisu. This is a Finnish concept described as stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, hardiness and is held by Finns themselves to express their national character. The Finnish art of inner strength. Dennis attended Faith Lutheran Church in Wataga.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Georgia of 37 years. His children Caleb William Lepisto Davenport, Iowa and Tristan John (JayCee) Lepisto Wataga, Illinois. One granddaughter Lilah Lorraine Lepisto and baby boy Lepisto due in December. Two brothers Tom (Dawn) Lepisto, Roswell, New Mexico and Jim Lepisto, San Diego, California. One aunt, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barb and Art Lindquist, Galesburg, Illinois who helped care for him. Brother-in-law, Bob Athy, Brush Prairie, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents, a special sister-in-law Patti Athy and his in-laws George and Kathy Knapp.
The family would like to thank his OSF Hospice team for their compassionate care.
Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life will be held Saturday July 22nd at the Sparta Township Hall 100 West Willard St Wataga, Il from 1-4. A prayer service and eulogy will be held at 2 pm.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. If inclined, donations may be made to the family for a gift in Dennis’s memory to the Michael J Fox Foundation to aid in the research to end Parkinson’s Disease. P.O. Box 434 Wataga, Il.61488. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
