John F. Kripli

John Francis Kripli, age 60, of Clawson (formerly of Royal Oak), passed away on December 13, 2025.

Born on May 6, 1965, in Royal Oak, John was raised in the community he would proudly call home for half of his life. He attended St. Mary's Schools from kindergarten through eighth grade, continued on to Dondero High School, and later earned his associate degree from Oakland Community College in Royal Oak.

John dedicated virtually his entire professional career to Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he served as a supervisor in supply chain, most recently as coordinator. Known and loved throughout the hospital, he was deeply admired by colleagues and staff alike. During times when he himself was a patient, people from various areas of the hospital would stop by or ask about him-a true testament to the lasting relationships he built and the kindness he showed every day.

It was at Beaumont that John met the love of his life, Tracy. They met in December 1993, became engaged just a year after they started dating, and were married at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Hazel Park. They honeymooned at Disney, where a spontaneous timeshare purchase turned into a lifetime of cherished family vacations. Together, they raised three daughters and created countless memories, especially during their many trips to Disney and their travels throughout Michigan, where John developed a special love for lighthouses.

A man of deep faith, John lived his life guided by God and by his favorite saying: "Everything affects everything else." He embodied this belief through his unwavering presence in the lives of those he loved. He volunteered extensively at his children's schools, attended every sporting event, music performance, and theater production, and made sure he was always there-no matter what. And his unique version of "time-outs" with his kids involved holding them close while making them watch classic John Wayne films and Casablanca.

Music was one of his greatest passions. A gifted singer, he was rarely quiet and always singing. Along with his brother, he became a wedding DJ as part of "J and J DJs." He owned more than 1,000 CDs and was an avid music fan, with a special love for Bruce Springsteen. His 60th birthday was celebrated at a dueling piano bar, where he proudly jumped up to dance to "Dancing in the Dark." In fact, if there was a dance floor, he was on it-so enthusiastically that after one cousin's wedding, he danced himself straight into physical therapy.

John was also a devoted Detroit Lions fan, played fantasy football with his friends, and loved movies of all kinds, especially Marvel and Harry Potter.

A six-year cancer survivor, John faced adversity with strength, faith, and perseverance. He was incredibly social and endlessly communicative-calling friends and family during Lions games, striking up conversations in grocery store lines, and making friends wherever he went.

Above all, John was a loving husband, devoted father, faithful servant of God, and a friend to all. His joy, laughter, music, faith, and love will continue to ripple through the lives he touched, reminding us all that truly, everything affects everything else.

John will be remembered as the beloved husband of Tracy (née Adams). Loving father of Anna (Kevin) Balboa, Becky Kripli, and Kate Kripli. Dear son of the late Frank and Edith Kripli; brother of Joseph (Karen) Kripli, Paul (Sharon) Kripli, Marie (the late Martin) Lareau, and James (Robin) Kripli; son-in-law of Sandra Mazurek; and brother-in-law of Suzi Adams and John (Micki) Adams.

Visitation for John will be held on Friday, December 19, from 2:30 - 8 p.m. (all are invited to the preceding Rosary held from 2:00 - 2:30 p.m.) at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd. (four blocks east of Woodward), Royal Oak. The Funeral Mass for John will be celebrated on Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. (visitation 10:30 a.m.) at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 581 E 14 Mile Rd., Clawson.

Memorial contributions in memory of John can be directed to the Corewell Health Foundation of Southeast Michigan at https://corewellhealth.org/foundation/southeast/donate