David P. Steplitus

David P. Steplitus, a long time resident of Warren, Michigan passed away surrounded by his loving wife and family on Thursday, October 16, 2025. He was eighty-six years old. Born at home in Detroit, Michigan on April 7, 1939 the son of Joseph and Mary Steplitus. Dave grew up on Charest Street in Detroit and was a 1957 graduate of St. Ladislaus high school. Dave was active in baseball and basketball. In fact, Dave had professional baseball scouts investigating his baseball pitching talent at the age of 15. During Dave’s high school baseball pitching years, he only gave up one loss. Immediately after high school graduation, he had signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies minor league baseball organization. Throughout his minor league career, he played for the Johnson City Phillies, Bakersfield Bears, Elmira Pioneers, Des Moines Demons, and Magic Valley Cowboys. As a left-handed pitcher, Dave was ultimately signed by the Detroit Tigers minor league baseball organization. One of Dave’s best baseball memories was throwing batting practice to Detroit Tiger great Al Kaline. Towards the end of Dave’s baseball career, he proudly volunteered to join the Army Reserve with a two stint service record. On September 9, 1961 Dave met the love of his life Marcia Dombrowski at a family wedding. Two and a half years later, on July 18, 1964, they were married at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church in Wyandotte, Michigan. In 1966, they built their brand-new home in Warren, Michigan. Later that same year, they were blessed with their daughter Michaele and blessed again in 1967 with their son Timothy. Dave supported his family in a couple different industries over the years. Mainly factory work at Grand Steel in Clawson, LTV in Sterling Heights, and Fisher Wallpaper & paint. Dave’s longevity role was during his time as a warehouseman at Boise Cascade office products in Warren and ultimately retiring from there on December 31, 2003 after 25 years of service. Dave was proud of his relationship with the Lord, and enjoyed sharing his faith with everyone. Dave’s additional passions included fishing at his favorite spots, gardening, drawing and oil painting. Dave also enjoyed music from the 50’s and 60’s, with special interest in Herb Alpert and some select Jazz. Dave’s mechanical aptitude allowed him to fix the family vehicles, maintain them and keep them on the road. This same ability kept everything in the house working and well maintained. He would always say, “if you can fix it yourself, your better off”. Dave was content in his life with the smaller pleasures of life. Staying home, being with family, and not making a fuss. Dave will be loved forever and truly missed. In addition to Marcia, his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Dave is survived by his daughter, Michaele (the late Dan) Fournier and son, Timothy (Steven) Steplitus; grandchildren, Thomas Baczkowski, Jr. and Marcia (Brandon) Richards; great-Granddaughter Kiley Baczkowski; brother, Lawrence (Beverly) Steplitus and sister, Diane (Dave) Miller and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Dave was preceded in death by his brother Raymond Steplitus and his son-in-law Dan Fournier.

David P. Steplitus

April 7, 1939 - October 16, 2025