Obituary of Joseph John Stepun

Joseph John Stepun, 71, Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2017 at St. Lukes Hospital. Special thank you to all staff, most especially to Dr. Timothy Kleinschmidt for the many years of care. Joe was born in Ingolstadt, Germany on March 24, 1946 and immigrated to the United States with his family, settling on the family farm in Wells, MN. Joe graduated from Wells High School and went on to attend Mankato State University graduating in 1968 with a B.S. Degree in Biology and Minors in Chemistry and Health Education. Joe married the love of his life, Jeanne (Stepinski), in 1968 and spent the first years of marriage in Amboy, MN where he taught High School Biology and Chemistry before being called to service. Joe served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War holding several positions including infantry and communications. He received the Bronze Star Medal along with several other commendations for his courage, service, and duty to his country. Joe furthered his education at the University of Minnesota - Duluth focussing on teaching and assisting in college level lab courses while working towards his masters degree. Joe started working at the WLSSD in 1971 planning on staying a short time, but ended up staying for 32 years and built an astonishing career. Joe was instrumental in many major steps the WLSSD took to improve the air and water quality and waste conservation, working closely with environmental and industry leaders. He took pride in the effort to clean up the St. Louis River and spent 30 years of his career overseeing that task. Joe was often the face of the WLSSD at state, regional, national, and international events and efforts including the Lake Superior Binational Forum. Joe ended his career as the Manager of Environmental Services retiring in 2005. Joe received several honors and awards for his environmental service. Joe loved nature and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed spending time fishing area lakes and streams, as well as time fishing the Gulf of Mexico. He treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and sharing his hobbies. Joe will forever be in our hearts especially when we walk through the woods, catch a beauty of a fish, or finally win a card game Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jon and Aniela Stepun. Brother, George Stepun. Nephew Jon Stepun. God-Father George Dulas. Father-in-Law John Stepinski. Brother-in-Law Robert Larson. Sister-in-Law Karen Engen. Joe is survived by his wife Jeanne; Daughters, Christina (Joel) Marsh and Teresa Nelson; Grandchildren, Meagan and Joseph Marsh and Chase and Isabella Nelson; Brother, Steve (Bev) Stepun; Sister-in-Law, Barb Stepun; Mother-in-Law, Stella Stepinski; Brother-in-Law, Marty Stepinski; Sister-in-Law Terrie Larson; Nephews, Scott Stepun, Josh Stepun, Michael (Val) Rich; Nieces, Jennifer (Jay) Johnson, Amy (Kevin) Johnson, Kelsey Stepun, Jennifer (Scott) Lotzer, Melissa Stepinski and their families and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations can go to the Sandra J. Schulze American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge 411 Second Street NW , Rochester, MN 55901 or online http://bit.ly/2sdTyfE Gathering of family and friends from 9 a.m. until the 10 a.m. memorial service Monday, July 3rd in the Cremation Society of Minnesota Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth.