Mike Tepe

Robert Michael “Mike” Tepe passed peacefully into eternity with his Savior on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease with Lewy Body Dementia. Mike was a legend to all who knew him—a one-of-one creation. He was a devoted husband, doting father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, savvy business owner, and an imposing—yet always fun—uncle. Mike’s boundless drive was matched only by his generosity and love of “getting the family together.” He had a contagious zest for life, a passion for the outdoors, a penchant for cigars, and a talent for tackling any project at hand.

Born on January 21, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mike was the second child of Bob and Bertha “Bert” Tepe. He had an idyllic childhood, growing up along the twelfth hole of the Kendale Golf Course at Kenwood Country Club and causing mischief with his beloved siblings. Mike attended St. Vincent Ferrer School, where he channeled his dynamism into a strong work ethic. Naturally athletic and intensely strong, he found his stride in football, which he pursued in high school and college. He was an all-GCL defensive back for legendary Coach Gerry Faust at Archbishop Moeller High School (Class of ’69), then went on to earn all-OVC honors at Murray State University (Class of ’73).

At Murray State, Mike was gregarious, strong, and charismatic. He earned a sociology degree and, more importantly, met the love of his life, Sheila Jones. After graduating, he frequently returned to Murray to visit Sheila and plan their future. They married on May 31, 1975, and settled in West Chester, Ohio.

Mike pursued a career in sales and eventually purchased Fairfield Associates (later Fairfield Sales), representing manufacturing clients in the paper, plastics, and film industries. He covered territories across the Midwest, growing his company into a thriving business.

In 1981, Mike earned his most cherished title: Dad, to his only child, Nicholas. There are many devoted fathers, but few who formed a bond as strong and special as Mike did with his son. Sheila knew it from the beginning—especially the night she found Mike curled up in the crib just to make sure Baby Nick was breathing.

Mike recognized his love of sports mirrored in Nick, and he fueled that passion—playing in the yard with him daily and attending nearly every practice and game. He’d wake early (a lifelong habit), and drive to Cleveland and back in a day, just to be home in time for Nick’s events. And he wasn’t shy about helping the refs make the “right call” either. He was a favorite among Nick’s teammates—always ready to lend a hand or pick up the check after a win. Mike gave generously of his time, money, and attention.

In the 1990s, Mike and Sheila joined Covenant Christian Church in Newport, Kentucky, where Mike’s faith deepened. He formed close bonds with fellow believers and developed a wholehearted faith in Jesus Christ, which became the foundation of his life.

In the mid-90s, Mike and Sheila built their beloved lake house, “House on the Rock,” at Rough River Lake in southeastern Kentucky.  It became a hub of joy for the extended Tepe and Jones families. Mike kept the property in pristine shape and loved nothing more than hosting—whether he was wielding a hedge trimmer in a sweaty cutoff t-shirt or manning the grill after a day on the lake. The place was always stocked with food, four-wheelers, boats, and most importantly—people he loved.

As Nick grew into adulthood, he and Mike became best friends. Mike blended into Nick’s friend groups, joining fantasy football drafts and fight nights. When Nick married Jill, Mike welcomed her as a daughter. He and Sheila were thrilled to become grandparents to Elinor and Edwin. They built special rooms for the kids in their home, hosted frequent sleepovers, and eagerly watched the children so Nick and Jill could travel.

Mike was a tireless worker who never hesitated to help others—painting homes, trimming trees, volunteering on mission trips, or arriving with an armload of tools (some inherited from his dad) and a smile. He also loved the outdoors and often worked toward his next fishing or pheasant hunting trip. Few things made him happier than standing outside in his hunting gear at the end of a long day, smoking a cigar with his buddies and Nick.

Mike thrived on a day of hard work, often showing up at Nick & Jill's house early on a Saturday morning to mow the lawn and tell them they were "burning daylight" if they weren't dressed and ready to go by 8:00am. He and Sheila frequently arrived with beer, wine, and a pork tenderloin, ready for an impromptu dinner, grandkid snuggles, and euchre after bedtime. He never stopped giving.

Even throughout the long struggle of his illness, Mike remained joyful and warm. He greeted visitors with a smile—even when words began to fail. True to the intense and driven man he had always been, Mike fought hard until the very end, and his positivity never wavered. Though the world feels dimmer without him, his legacy continues to shine. His deep faith in Jesus Christ gives us the hope and assurance that we will see him again one day soon.

Mike is survived by his son, Nick Tepe, and daughter-in-law, Jill Tepe; his beloved grandchildren, Elinor and Edwin Tepe; his brother, Tim Tepe (Dianne); sisters, Toni Williams (Tom) and Robin Wisman (Rick); sisters-in-law, Suzanne Johnson, Mary Lynn Rue (John), Ann Jones, and Debbie Jones; brothers-in-law, Joe Jones (Brenda) and Russ Jones; his adored nieces and nephews, many cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sheila Tepe (née Jones); his parents, Bob and Bert Tepe (née Feldkamp); and his infant sister, Laurie Tepe.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Lakeside Christian Church, 195 Buttermilk Pike, Lakeside Park, KY 41017.Visitation: 9:00 – 10:45 AMMemorial Service: 11:00 AM

There will be a Celebration of Life Reception afterward from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Drees Pavilion in Devou Park, 790 Park Lane, Covington, KY 41011.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Brain Foundation, which supports collaborative research with the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, and others working toward cures.