Russell R. Stepke

Passed peacefully into Eternal Life on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the age of 77 after a valiant fight with lung cancer. Loving father of Chad (Alyson) Stepke, Carrie (Patrick) Dlugosch, Bret Stepke and the late Drew Stepke whom he shared with former spouse and long-time friend, Cele Stepke. Beloved grandfather of Jack, Lily, Drew, Molly, Isabella, Anna, Parker and Charlie. Dear brother of Jane (Al) Knaak and the late Rick Stepke.

Born on May 7, 1942, to Richard and Esther Stepke, he graduated from Pulaski High School before continuing on to receive a B.A. from Marquette University in 1965 and his Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School in 1968. He loved sports, particularly skiing and golfing with his buddies. He was a voracious reader, loved to travel, was a keen negotiator and had a special gift for connecting people. His greatest joy was time spent with his children and grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be celebrated in early December 2019 at Gesu Parish. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to The Drew Jonathan Stepke Child Abuse Prevention Fund, c/o Children's Hospital of Wisconsin P.O. Box 1997, Milwaukee, WI 53226.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Nov. 23 to Nov. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Stepke

Sponsored by Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood.

9 Entries

Winston McKellar

January 31, 2020

Sorry to find out about the passing of my friend Russ Stepke. I had the pleasure of knowing Russ for over thirty-five years as we worked on several mega food transactions. He certainly loved to negotiate deals, playing golf and being with friends and family. Although Russ had a tough minded side to him and often kept his guard up, there was a wonderful soft loving side to him that I always appreciated.
I will miss our conversations plus our love for the Packers.
RIP dear friend. Win

Elizabeth Mackay

December 1, 2019

So sorry to hear of Russ' passing. Prayers to his family and friends for their loss.

November 27, 2019

Sincere condolences from Peggy and Nat Bernstein.

William Hickmann

November 27, 2019

Our prayers and thoughts go to the Stepke family. Russ always made an effort to keep the law class in touch and added many memories. He certainly made everyone feel comfortable at our gatherings and went out of his way to make things happen.
I am sure he will be missed by many.

Kathy Jablonski/Arciszewski

November 27, 2019

Dear Russ, seeing your name was so sad. Full of life, wonderful smiling face, just a good/great guy. It really hit me and others as we all contemplate our lives. The fun we had at Pulaski High was so wonderful it's hard to explain to others, especially younger people.

Handsome, clean-cut kid, nice and friendly to everyone. Jocks called you "Stepke". We girls called you Russ. You have been a great supporter of our alumni web page. Thank you for that.

I'm sorry that you struggled with lung cancer. The man I loved died of it 10 years ago. Difficult battle. If you smoked that would be news to us. However, I also know that second-hand smoke is an effect too.

You will be missed. Even though we hardly ever saw each other we Pulaski Class of 1960 were close. Hope to see you in our Reunion in the sky. Thank you for being so good to me and all.

Love, Kathy (Jabo) Arciszewski

Patrick Regan

November 27, 2019

Chad - Noreen and I are so sorry about your dad. We will keep him in our prayers.
Pat and Noreen

John Murray

November 25, 2019

My deepest condolences to the entire Stepke family. Russ was my classmate and very dear friend over the 50plus years since our graduation. He was very loyal to our alma mater as well as to his many friends. I will miss his conversations and many golf outings. Rest In Peace dear friend

Neal Yampol

November 24, 2019

My sincere condolences to the extended Stepke family on the loss of Russ, my fellow Marquette Law School Class of 1968 friend.
Neal Yampol MU Law '68

N. Seidl

November 23, 2019

Dr. Chad & family,
Accept my deepest condolences on the death of your dad and grandpa. Sorry he was taken too soon. May he rest in peace. God bless you all.

I was a patient of yours in 2013. I had 17 appts. during the summer to find out what was wrong with me. You found the reason...as simple as my arthritis meds gave me an ulcer and the domino effect had taken over. I always brag to others about your expertise.

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