John W. "Jack" Cepek

John W. "Jack" Cepek, age 91, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, with Father Barry Saylor presiding. Visitation will be held from 4:00–6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. A Rosary will be held at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.
Jack was born on March 7, 1934, in Algoma, WI, to Wilferd and Viola (Johnson) Cepek. He graduated from Algoma High School in 1952. He attended Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, and the University of Northern Colorado, receiving his Bachelor of Science and Master's degrees in physical education. From 1957–1959, Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. On December 29, 1962, he married Joan Shebelski at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mosinee, WI.
Jack dedicated 37 years to the Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools as a Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director, retiring on June 19, 1996. He was a member of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association, the Retired Teachers of Wisconsin Rapids, and the Monday morning golf group.
Throughout his career, Jack was deeply dedicated to athletics and education. He served as Treasurer of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association from 1980–1990 and as its President in 1984. He was also honored by Lincoln High School, where he was named Teacher of the Year during the 1986–1987 school year and later inducted to the Red Raider Athletic Hall of Fame. He was beloved by his students, players, and fellow coaches, representing constant patience and support as a true ambassador of Wisconsin Rapids sports. Every year, two deserving student-athletes who exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, academic excellence, and athletic achievement are honored with the Jack Cepek Award, memorializing Jack's commitment to leadership.
Jack received the Andy Anderson Service Award in 1990 and was named Wisconsin State Athletic Director of the Year in 1995. In 2002, Jack's lifelong passion for athletics was again celebrated when he was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and cemented in 2014 when inducted into the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame.
Jack was a spiritual, faithful, and prayerful man who lived his life with integrity and kindness. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, reading, traveling, and watching sports. He was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, always cheering on the Wisconsin teams.
Jack is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Cepek; son, David (Liz) Cepek; daughters, Kris (Bob) Walleser, Mary (Dave) Lawrence, Sara (Mike) McIntire, and Jodi (Matt) Renwick; grandchildren, Olivia, Jed, Molly, Sophie, Gus, Cal, Finn, and Violet; sister, Judy Benkowski; brother-in-law, Dick (Charlene) Shebelski; sister-in-law, Jeanne (Ron) Smerda; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilferd and Viola; granddaughter, Elli Walleser; sister, Doris Krebsbach; brothers-in-law, Dave Benkowski and Dave Krebsbach; and in-laws, Ed and Helen Shebelski.
In lieu of flowers, please consider monetary donations to establish a scholarship connected with the Jack Cepek Award or to the National Shrine of St. Jude’s.
Well done my good and faithful servant.