Mary Ann K.

Stepka

Mary Stepka, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and the heart of her family passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the University of Minnesota Hospital. She was 90 years old, and had recently celebrated this incredible milestone surrounded by her family.

Mary was born on April 21, 1936, in Iona, Minnesota, to Elizabeth and John Miller. She grew up alongside her two siblings. She graduated from Lakeville High School in 1953. During high school, she was introduced to Jerry Stepka, and the rest, as they say, was history. The two married in 1955 and began a life together that would become the foundation for generations of family memories.

Mary and Jerry eventually made their home on the family farm in Veseli, Minnesota, where they spent the past 51 years building a life rooted in hard work, love, and family. Together, they raised nine children.

Mary was a devoted homemaker and farmer's wife, supporting Jerry and the family through the many demands of farm life. She also enjoyed working part-time cleaning homes, a job that gave her a little time outside the busy household and introduced her to many wonderful people and lifelong friendships. Anyone who knew Mary understood that she was no stranger to hard work, and there was always something that needed doing.

But Mary's greatest joy was, without question, her family. The farm was rarely quiet, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. First came her grandchildren, followed by a steady stream of great-grandchildren over the past 20 years. There was always someone running through the house, stopping by the kitchen, or finding their way into Grandma's chair.

And no one ever had to wonder whether there would be something good to eat. Mary made sure there was always a fresh batch of cookies or her famous apple bars ready to share. Her kitchen was a gathering place, her baked goods were a love language, and her chair was often occupied by a little one receiving her signature calming "tickles" or being gently rocked. She had a special way of making everyone feel safe, loved, and right where they belonged.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry; sons Terry and Anthony; brother Jim Miller (Elko); and baby brother John, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Linda) Stepka, Frank (Cyndi) Stepka, Sharon (Kevin) Pint, Mark (Laura) Stepka, Greg (Jean) Stepka, Jerry Jr. (Jen), and Stan (Melanie) Stepka; 23 grandchildren, Chad (Michelle) Stepka, Nick (Heidi) Stepka, Garrett Eich, Jeremy (Jana) Stepka, Natasha Stepka, Nicole (Mike) Giesenhagen, Sami (Josh) Pexa, Derek (Amy) Stepka, Ryan (Jessia) Stepka, Megan Stepka, Mike (Jessie) Pint, David (Carla) Pint, Dan (Carrie) Pint, Jon (Laura) Pint, Jesus Stepka, Tim (Denielle) Stepka, Tracy (Matt) Beckius, Kyle (Marissa) Stepka, Lexie (Louie) Wright, Kim (Joe) Pesta, Anthony Stepka, Taylor (Derek Trnka) Stepka, and Mackenzie Stepka; 39 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; her sister, Carol Prochaska; sisters-in-law Janette Miller and Marcie Stepka, and countless extended family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Mary will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her spunk, her generous heart, and the countless ways she brought her family together. The farm was more than a place to live; it was a home filled with love, laughter, and generations of memories.

It is difficult to imagine the farm, or Veseli, without her. The kitchen will be a little quieter, her chair a little emptier . . . But her love will live on in the family she built, the traditions she created, and the stories that will be told.

Ninety years of life. Nine children. Twenty-three grandchildren. Thirty-nine great-grandchildren. One great-great-grandchild. And more love than could ever be counted.

She gave her family a lifetime of love; a beautiful legacy that she and Jerry built together. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

A visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Bruzek Funeral Home, 610 Main St. E., New Prague, 56071.

The following day, A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 16, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 4939 Washington St., Lonsdale, MN 55046, with a visitation one hour prior to Mass starting at 10:00 AM. Private Interment will take place at St. Johns Cemetery in Veseli, MN. A luncheon will follow at the KC Hall in New Prague. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to donor’s choice.