John B. Stepka, age 81, of Elko, died Sunday, August, 25, 2013 at The Lodge on Natchez Hospice in Elko.  John was born November 6, 1931 in Cedar Lake Township, Scott 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, MN and raised their family on their dairy farm.  John was a life member of the VFW in Lakeville, a charter member of Elko-New Market-Webster Lions Club, a member of the New Market Sportsmens 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; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence, Clarence, & Joseph (in childhood).

Mass of Christian Burial will take place Friday, August 30, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake with Fr. Orlando Tatel officiating.  Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 – 8 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home and 1 hour prior to Mass at Church.  Burial will occur 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.