Joseph Stepanek
1934 - 2016
Joseph Stepanek
1934 - 2016
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Joseph Stepanek Obituary
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Tim Coughlin
March 23, 2024
Coach taught so many of his players how to play hard, be responsible and treasure the experience. I played for MP 71-74. Played Semi Pro Football with 6 former MP players who played for Coach Stepanek. We all value everything he taught us. An inspiration.
Larry Fieroh
July 18, 2016
To the Stepanek Family,
My sincere condolences go to the entire Stepanek family on the loss of Coach Stepanek. I was a player on Coach Stepanek's team during 1968,69 and 70 and my brother played for him from 1963 thru 65. There are few people in ones life who make impressions on how you live your live. Coach Joe Stepanek was one of those people for me. I will credit him for how I was able to go on to college and into life, reaching some element of success, by acting the way Coach taught us to act. May God Bless Coach Stepanek and his entire family during this time of his passing.
Larry Fieroh, Class of 1971, Troy, MI
Todd Brownlee
July 13, 2016
Loved this man.
Way cool.
My heart felt sympathies.
He will remain an influence in many lives.
Deborah Goldman
July 11, 2016
My deepsest condolences to Stepanek Family. I remember coach fondly. Always with a smile on his face and a kind word to share.
Deborah Everett Goldman
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Maureen Walsh Alderson
July 11, 2016
Condolences to the Stepanek family- Coach Stepanek was a lovely man and was my homeroom teacher at Morgan Park- he made a real impact.
July 7, 2016
The Stepanek Family,
Our deepest condolences to your family at this difficult time, please know that I will keep your family in my prayers and always cherish the good times!!
Your neighbors - the Ohdes
Terry & Laura Coughlan
July 6, 2016
Condolences to the entire Stepanek family. He was one of my coaches at Morgan Park High School. God Bless you all during this difficult time.
Terry Coughlan
Class of 1967
Jack O'Leary
July 5, 2016
My best memory of Joe is that he was really a kind and humble man with a big heart.
Dorothy Brown Brumbaugh
July 5, 2016
Gail,
My heartfelt sympathy. I'm sure you will sorely miss Joe's company. May your memories, and the company of family and friends uphold you.
Hugs,
Dorothy Brown Brumbaugh
John Beardsley
July 5, 2016
I am saddened by the passing of Coach Stepanek. I played on 2 of his teams (69 and 70).While he came across as rough and tough, he really had a heart of gold.
My condolences to his family.
Rick Heeren
July 4, 2016
To the Stepanek family,
I was the quarterback of Coach Stepanek's first two football teams at Morgan Park ('61 and '62). I live in Minnesota now, but my sister, Ginny, who still lives in Chicagoland, saw the obituary and forwarded it to my attention. I just pulled out my scrapbook from those Morgan Park years--it was an emotional experience for me. Coach Stepanek selected me as his quarterback and then guided me through two years leading the team. I thank God that he selected me and gave me such wonderful guidance. After graduation he helped me get a full-ride scholarship to his alma mater, Purdue University.
I haven't seen Coach Stepanek for many years now. It came as quite a shock to hear that he had passed. I am a Christian missionary now, working with pastors and marketplace leaders all over the world to help them bring righteousness, peace, and joy to their cities and nations. One lawyer friend said that I live life as if I am quarterbacking a football team. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Coach Stepanek who imparted and refined leadership skills in me at such an early age.
I speak peace and blessings to the Stepanek family and pray that the Lord will comfort you as you grieve the loss of your loved one.
God bless you, Rick Heeren
Donyail Ballard
July 3, 2016
My condolences...I was one of his students at Morgan Park.
Ramona Artis
July 3, 2016
My condolences to the Stepanek Family. I was a student at Morgan Park High School during the time of Coach Stepanek. May he Rest In Peace.
Barbara Ujka
July 3, 2016
Uncle Joe, you have left a lasting impression on a great amount of people and that says a lot about the kind of man you were. You will be missed. Love the Barbara, Stan, Jacob and Emmy
marie stazzone
July 3, 2016
Dear Gail,
I am so sorry for you and all your family.
Remembering you fondly with deepest sympathy
Bill Davies
July 2, 2016
God Bless you Coach. You are one of the best and a true person of worth.
William Fraser
July 2, 2016
God bess you Coach.
Kathy Sharpe
July 2, 2016
EMPEHI PHYS ED TEACHER WHO TOOK US TO THE 1972 PUBLIC LEAGUE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP. HONEST & DEDICATED TO HIS STUDENTS & TEAM. REST IN PEACE MR. STEPANEK.
Kathie Kirk
July 2, 2016
I can't say how much I feel for you at this time.
Sylvia Lewis
July 2, 2016
We were so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. You are in our thoughts at this sad time.
Bill Jennings
July 2, 2016
Joe has been a dependable friend, team mate, co-worker, room mate since we first met in '53. My condolences to Gail and family. Truly a leader and compassionate man. Rest in Peace Joe. love & hugs bill
hj
Bob Radostits
July 2, 2016
Joe was an inspiration to those of us who had the privilege of knowing him. A great coach and teacher, tough when he had to be, and fair always. My sincere sympathy to you, Gail, and the family. May fond memories help you through this time, and know that Joe will remain in our hearts and minds forever...Sincerely, Bob Radostits (Empehi Class of 1966).
Rita Miller
July 2, 2016
So sorry Gail My sympathy to you and your entire family
Charles McKelvy
July 1, 2016
Everyone on the swim team had the highest regard for Coach Stepanek. Charles McKelvy, MPHS '68
Burton Anderson
July 1, 2016
He was a good friend and a great coach
Gordon Seelos
July 1, 2016
Around him 64 thru 68. A legend. Our thoughts are with you.
Terry Beltemacchi
July 1, 2016
Life at Morgan Park High School would not have been the great experience it was without your input and example. Thanks
Gail Hanks
July 1, 2016
Gail,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your dear husband. My heart goes out to you and the family. May God bless you with peace and comfort knowing that he is in a better place. I hope that your wonderful memories will give you some comfort during these dark days. God's blessings to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Susan (Engle) Budash
July 1, 2016
A very kind and gentle man...except when he had to be tough with our Empehi football team. You'll be missed Joe.
Barbara Gaynor
July 1, 2016
Dear Gail,
Our hearts are broken today. Losing Joe is like losing a piece of our history, a part of our family. Joe- a gruff exterior with a heart of gold. The best raccoon catcher ever. A great sense of humor- think raccoon slippers, a six pack of "beer."
The patience of Job when teaching Ryan how to ride a bike! Coach and advisor to TJ.
We will miss you, Joe! We love you!
"Can you hear me now?"
Barb, TJ and Ryan Gaynor
Marika(Mary Kay) La Sorsa (Mammas)
July 1, 2016
I am so very sorry that this wonderful man has passed. I was a cheerleader during my years at MPHS 1968-1972. I saw first hand what a fabulous teacher and role model he was to all of us. Athlete and student alike. May God grant you comfort at this time. May his memory be eternal!
Karen Edgar
July 1, 2016
Gail, my heart breaks for ur loss!
Melody Lenart
July 1, 2016
Dear Gail and Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. May good grant you comfort and peace at this time.
Bonnie Browning
July 1, 2016
Gail - keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate the life of your husband. Hugs... Bonnie Browning
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