Daniel Isaac Jouppi

Daniel Isaac Jouppi passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 74.

Dan was the youngest child of John and Vieno (Leppala) Jouppi of Kaleva, MI. In addition to his parents and 3 siblings, Dan was part of a huge extended family with dozens of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He particularly enjoyed attending family reunions and events.

After graduation from Brethren (MI) High School and Eastern Michigan University Dan began a 35-year career as an educator in the suburban Detroit area. He impacted the lives of thousands of students as a 5th-grade teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary school principal in the Airport School District. He finished his career as a director of personnel in the Warren Consolidated School District.

In 1974 Dan married the love of his life Donna after a brief courtship. They were married for 47 years until Donna’s passing in 2021. Together they raised two children: Brian, currently of Gibsonia, PA and Lisa Holt, currently of Mesa, AZ.

Dan was a skilled builder. During his years as a teacher he spent summers working as a carpenter. That experience culminated in Dan building a new home in Woodhaven, MI in 1985 with help from the many other carpenters and volunteers in the family. Following h

is retirement from education Dan briefly operated a handyman business in Henderson, NV before turning his attention to woodworking. He used his talents to create thousands of wooden toy cars, every one of which was donated to childrens’ charities around the world.

Dan’s Christian faith was important to him, and he expressed that faith as a member and lay leader of various Lutheran churches in the places he lived. He was also an avid golfer and fan of professional golf, volunteering for many years at the Las Vegas Open.

Dan is survived by two brothers, Thomas and Gerald, his two children and their spouses, two granddaughters, Sofia and Amelia, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Carol, and his wife.

A memorial service will be held in 2023 in Michigan. Family and friends will be notified of detailed arrangements when they are available. If desired, memorial gifts in Dan’s name can be made to these charities or other fitting causes:

Toys 4 Kids Las Vegas (toys4kidslasvegas.org)

Toys for God’s Kids (www.toysforgodskids.org)