Obituary of Thomas B Stepanek

Thomas “Tom” B Stepanek age 68 of Brainerd, Minnesota passed away unexpectedly in Duluth at St. Mary’s Hospital on September 7th,2023.

Tom was born on June 9th, 1955, to Ann and Stephen Stepanek in Burnsville, MN. They moved to Grand Rapids for a short time before permanently residing in Brainerd, MN. Tom was a graduate of Brainerd High School in 1974 where he met his loving wife Michele Stepanek (Kelm) they got married on March 10th, 1984, at the Salvation Army. He retired from the Salvation Army after 40 years on August 30th, 2017, but continued to bell ring during the holidays. After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family and grandkids, taking care of his wife, watching sports especially the Vikings, he also enjoyed fishing, painting and taking photos of sunsets/sunrises and loved going out for morning coffee and cookies at Perkins.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Ann Franzen and Stephen Stepanek. He is survived by his wife of 39yrs Michele Stepanek, daughters Mary (Lester) Bock, Cherilynn Nelson, Granddaughter Shaina (Kory) Nelson, Great Grandkids Serenity Nelson, Wyatt Kierstead and Kelton Kierstead. He also leaves behind 3 brothers Bob (Vicki), Lyle (Debbie), Larry (Bobby), nieces Erica, Angie and Nikki, Nephews Brandon and Ryan.

A special thank you to the air care crew at North Memorial, the staff at St. Mary’s Duluth and the staff at the Cremation Society of MN for all their care.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday September 30th at the Salvation Army in Brainerd at 10:30am with lunch to follow. We ask that you dress in jeans and your favorite Minnesota Sports Team shirt or casual wear. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Salvation Army in memory of Tom.