Obituary for Michael James Lepsche

Michael “Mike” James Lepsche, 74, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on March 16, 1951 in St. Paul to Raymond and Jeanne Lepsche of Circle Pines, Mike grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and humor — values that shaped the man he became and the life he built.

Mike attended Cretin High School, graduating with the class of 1969, and went on to study at the University of St. Thomas. His education and his upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, discipline, and compassion — qualities he carried into every part of his life.

In 1980, Mike married Sharon Langer, the love of his life. Together they built not only three homes, but a partnership rooted in humor, dedication, and quiet strength. Nearly 45 years of marriage brought countless memories: building projects, vacations in the sun, mowing the lawn with the hot tub sessions that followed, college football tailgating, and the everyday moments that become the center of a life well lived. Mike and Sharon supported one another through joys, challenges, and the fullness of family life.

Mike dedicated his career to serving Ramsey County as a Corrections Officer. He approached his work with humility and fairness. He was a good listener and someone who always had an encouraging word. 

Outside of work, Mike enjoyed coaching youth sports and he impacted many kids in the community. Then, his greatest joy came from being a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was the proud father of Teresa, Joe, and Bill, and there was nothing he loved more than cheering them on — whether from the sidelines of a game, the audience of a performance, or simply in the everyday ups and downs of life. He fully embraced their spouses Jason, Megan and Cassie and jumped into one of his most cherished roles: grandfather. His seven grandchildren — Will, Nick, and Emma (Teresa and Jason Smock’s children); Mackenzie and Louie (Joe and Megan’s children); and Greta and Benny (Bill and Cassie’s children) — were the light of his world. He attended their countless activities, celebrated their accomplishments, and made sure they always knew how proud he was.

Mike was also a faithful member of St. Ambrose Catholic Community in Woodbury. His faith grounded him, guided his decisions, and gave him hope throughout his life.

To know Mike was to know laughter. He had a gift for bringing joy into any room he entered, whether by wearing a funny t-shirt, offering a nickname he’d invented, or delivering a perfectly timed wisecrack. He believed in keeping things light, lifting spirits, and finding reasons to smile. 

He was also unwaveringly supportive — a husband who stood proudly by Sharon, a brother who cared deeply for Marianne and Joseph, and a devoted son to his parents, Raymond and Jeanne. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother Ray, whose memory he carried with him always.

Whether coaching his kids’ teams, celebrating a family milestone, watching an old Western movie, jamming to Johnny Rivers or quietly encouraging someone who needed it, Mike’s presence was warm and kind. He made people feel seen and appreciated by telling them what was good and special about them. It was one of his defining traits and one of the many gifts he leaves behind.

Mike left this world too soon for those who loved him, but his family takes comfort in knowing that he is at peace and in the loving embrace of heaven. His legacy will continue through the people he supported, the values he lived, and the laughter he spread so generously.

Mike’s family would like to thank all the various healthcare teams who cared for him in recent years. Their support was a great comfort.  

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on December 4, 2025 at St. Ambrose Church in Woodbury with visitation at 9:30 and funeral mass at 11:00. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research or to the Woodbury Athletic Association for youth sports. 

Mike will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

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