John Stepka, 81
John B. Stepka, 81, of Elko, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013, at The Lodge on Natchez Hospice in Elko.
John was born November 6, 1931, in Cedar Lake Township, Rice County, to John F. & Barbara F. (Hanzal) Stepka. He received his schooling at District 31 in Spring Lake Township, Veseli Catholic School, and New Prague Public School. John served in the Army in the Korean War. On June 22, 1957, John married Delores A. Seiberlich in Chaska, and raised their family on their dairy farm. John was a life member of the VFW in Lakeville, a charter member of the Elko- New Market-Webster Lions Club, a member of the New Market Sportsmen’s Club, and served as trustee of St. Catherine Parish. He enjoyed fishing and gardening.
John is survived by his wife Delores of Elko; children, Michael Stepka of Faribault, Darlene Stepka of Owatonna, Bernice (& Joe) Horejsi of Webster, Jackie (& Roger) Pomije of New Prague, Francis Stepka (& Amy Timgren) of Farmington, Donna Stepka of Elko; brother, Roman Stepka of New Prague; sisters, Evelyn (& Joe) Scheffler of New Prague and Jeanette (& Alvin) Fremouw of Menomonie, WI; sisters-in-law, Benoite Stepka of New Prague and Rosie Stepka of Lonsdale; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence, Clarence and Joseph (in childhood).
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, with Fr. Orlando Tatel officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague and one hour prior to Mass at the church. Burial will be at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Veseli. Military rites will be conducted. A lunch will be served at the St. Patrick Social Hall following interment. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to St. Catherine Catholic Church or the Franciscan Retreat House at Prior Lake.
