Joseph B. Stepan

My father, Al Stepan and I, Sean Stepan attended Uncle Joe's Funeral. It was a great ceremony! He was loved by all! Uncle Joe will not soon be forgoten. The thing I liked the most about the services was that they were not about mourning his death, but rather celebrating his life. It was great to see everyone there, and recinnect with family from around the country. I was glad that my dad and I could attend.

Mom called me tonight and asked me to post this...hope it brings you all fond memories of our bolo tie wearing, hot tea totaling, aluminum can stomping, very, very special man. Love you Mom!



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When we were kids growing up in Duluth Minnesota we used to attend St. Michael’s church. Getting six kids bundled up and ready for mass was no small task – we were inevitably late on frequent occasions. Dad told me that once Father Walsh stopped the mass when we arrived once and let everyone know that Joe Stepan and family had arrived so he could continue the service. Well, Dad, I hope you are happy that we all made it on time today!



We had the best Dad. He was devoted to Mom and to us until the end. In fact, even though he was full of cancer, one of his last wishes was for Mom to walk again. He did not want her to worry about him.



He was a selfless man who was driven by perfection.



Dad never accepted anything that was offered to him for free – unless it was the center square on a BINGO board – he loved those.



He would have given any of you the shirt off his back – as long as it was cleaned and perfectly pressed first.



I am so sad that my family lost one half of the team of “The World’s Greatest Role Models.” I am equally sad that the world lost another man in a generation that defined respect, integrity and family values.



Dad was all about family values – whether it regarded his own family or someone else’s. He treated everyone as a member of his.



I take great comfort in knowing that there is a very special place in Heaven for this man. I know he is up there already….rearranging, sorting, recycling and saving things – and not letting anyone help him. He is too proud for that.



One week before he died, he was confused about the cancer and options for treatments. He told me that he was “too logical” to understand why a drug designed to make you better would make you sicker first. He said that if he was a doctor, he would never handle things that way. Of course not – because in Dad’s world no one would suffer pain, go hungry, be homeless or steal and everyone…...would be given an extra “paper card”.



He is in that perfect world now. We will miss you and will always love you Daddy!



-read after my brother's kind words March 9, 2005....Armella

Not a day goes by that we do not think of you and miss you. Our lives are forever changed without you. Until we meet again, you are always in our hearts and on our minds. We love you always and forever.

With Sympathy.

Thank you for sending this to me.

*** Eulogy for My Father ***
*** Joseph Benedict Stepan ***

Our Father, on one last trip [to heaven].

What should we say about you?

You were kind, you could be stern,

honest and pleasant to all.

You gave us each day your heartfelt warmth.

You supported our endeavors,

and we hope we gave back something special to you.

You leave us now, we grieve and mourn;

but continue onward in life.

While your peace and your counsel and your friendship

now influence forever -- New friends.


gt;{Read after the funeral mass on March 9, 2005.}