Joel C. Peplinski

SIOUX CITY | Joel C. Peplinski, 28, of Sioux City, died Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2014, at his residence after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer. Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Ryan Dowell Baum officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com. Joel was born Aug. 22, 1985, in Boise, Idaho, to Maggie (Reed) Peplinski. He moved to Sioux City in 1988 and graduated from North High School in 2003. In high school, Joel enjoyed many sports including football, track and wrestling. He continued his education at Morningside College and earned his B.A. degree with a focus on psychology. In 2005, while at Morningside, he met his fiancee, Erin, with whom he shared in a loving nine-year relationship. Together they have one cat, William James "Bubs" Peplinski. Joel will be remembered by his fiancee as having a great influence on her life and introducing her to new experiences including their favorite band, Metallica. Also in 2005, Joel began work with Rhino Video Games, which reinforced his love of video games and entertainment. Joel enjoyed sports, especially his favorite team, the Miami Dolphins. Together with his brother Scott, Joel was able to make two NFL games to see the Dolphins, which included autographs from notable players such as Junior Seau. It was these experiences with his brother that brought joy to Joel's life. He was also a NASCAR enthusiast and enjoyed setting up racing leagues with his brothers, mother and friends. Joel will also be remembered for playing late night Xbox games with his brother Kyle and recommending games for his nephews to play. Joel had a very positive outlook on life which influenced many people's lives. He touched a lot of hearts and will be missed by many. Survivors include his fiancée, Erin Popken of Sioux City; mother, Maggie Peplinski of Sioux City; 4 brothers, Eric and his wife, Rachel of Sioux Falls, SD, Scott of Sioux City, Mike and his fiancée, Sharona and Kyle and his wife, Katy all of Sioux Falls; maternal grandmother, Marianne Morey and her husband, Jim of Sioux City; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Brian Peplinski; and maternal grandfather, Leo Reed.