of Fort Smith, AR
December 31, 2013
Stephen "Steve" Anthony Stepka, 54, of Fort Smith, died suddenly on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 in Branson, MO. It was Steve's and his adoring wife Kim's two year anniversary.
Steve graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1977. While there, Steve was active in Boy Scouts and achieved Eagle Scout. At the time he was awarded Eagle Scout, he was the youngest recipient in Arkansas. He was also very active in the Key Club and was elected Governor of the Missouri-Arkansas district.
He started his college years in 1977 at Arkansas State University. He was a proud member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He loved the brotherhood and made long-lasting friendships with these men. Steve was also selected as the ASU Indian Brave, performing for the fans the Indian dances he had learned in Scouting. It was at ASU where he met Kim, and they became the best of friends.
Steve received a BS in Business in 1980, but soon realized that his true passion was Psychology. He attained his Master's degree in Psychology in 1983 from ASU. For the next 20 years, Steve had dual careers in psychological counseling and testing, as well as teaching at the collegiate level. In 1987, Steve moved to Helena, AR for a teaching opportunity at Phillips College. While there he became very active in the Kiwanis Club. He was devoted to the causes that the Kiwanis championed. He was elected Lt. Governor, and after his term was complete, he was asked to assume the Lt. Governorship once again.
Steve returned to Jonesboro in 2001 to teach at his alma mater, ASU. While in Jonesboro, he was able to return to the fellowship of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church where he was raised.
In 2011, Steve and Kim rekindled their friendship and fell in love. They were married in a beautiful ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs. Steve and Kim started their lives together in Fort Smith where Steve taught at UAFS. Theirs was a love affair for the ages and the happiest two years of either of their lives. They truly completed one another.
Steve was a sweet and gentle soul who loved to laugh and always looked for the positive. He believed that every day was a new beginning and that he should make the most of it. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the students whose lives he impacted.
Steve is survived by his wife, Kim; his son, Josh; his parents, Dr. Vic and Jane Stepka; his sister, Cindi Walker and her husband, Doug; his brother, Andy and his wife Lee Ellen Stepka; his niece, Ashley Davis and her husband, Brad; and his nephews, Jordan and Jonathan Stepka.
The memorial service will be at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211 (501)224-8300. The family will receive friends from 6:00 7:00 P.M., Monday, January 6, 2014 at the funeral home. A rosary will follow at 7:00 P.M.
Memorials may be made in honor of Steve's life to the Helena Chapter of Kiwanis International, c/o Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, P. O. Box 2427, West Helena, AR 72390 Email: webmaster@kiwanishelenaar.org
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39 Condolence(s)
Cindy Minton Smith
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Dear Stepka Family,
Steve was a good friend of mine way back in junior high school. Had not spoken with him in 30 years or so. Was so saddened to hear of his passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. He was a great guy.
My prayers are with your family.
Bill and Sue Garrison
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Dear Stepka Family,
Sue and I just learned of Steve's passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. Words can not express our feeling for you all at this sad time. Sue was in a serious rear-ended car wreck in August and has been in a wheelchair ever since. So, we have been out of touch with just about everyone and every thing since then. Please accept our condolences and know that we have been thinking and praying for the Stepka family.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Bill and Sue Garrison
Ruth Baker
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time of sorrow. Memories of Steve will bring tears and laughter...God's love will bring strength and peace....friends send their love and caring.
Laura Cantrell
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Kim,
Everytime I think of Steve I see him riding the horse on to the field at ASU...dancing to the Indian drumbeat, with thousands of us cheering on. What an extraordinary man!
Life is unfair...it took years for both of you being in the proper place to "be together" and had to leave this world way to soon. I hope the memories of your rare, true, love affair will give you comfort in the days to come.
Until then, know that all of us that love you will hold you up until you are able to stand on your own.
Sherry Stanfield
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Kim and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bring you the strength and comfort that only He can at this time. My prayers are with you all.
Sherry
Carlotta Walker Tuck
Monday, January 6, 2014
Kim, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to the memories and keep the faith.
Kathryn Jackson
Monday, January 6, 2014
To the Stepka family, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie McLendon
Monday, January 6, 2014
Josh & family we are thinking of you all during this time. WE are so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely
Laurie McLendon and Nick
Rose and Bill Cranford
Monday, January 6, 2014
Dear Jane and Vic,
How sad we are to hear of the loss of your son. We did not know him, but what an impressive life he left behind! We are with you and yours in thought and prayer. Please take good care of yourselves. God Bless You Always!
N B DENNIS
Monday, January 6, 2014
Kim.
I was shocked to read of your loss when I saw it in the paper. I didn't know the two of you had married, but in knowing you both at ASU I always felt you were destined to be together. Enjoy the memories you have and take comfort in knowing you will see him again. I am sorry for your loss and I will pray for God's peace for you.
hubie brodell
Monday, January 6, 2014
The entire Brodell Family sends prayers to the Stepka Family. Words will not cease the sorrow, but know that we have all of you in our hearts.
Eddie adams
Monday, January 6, 2014
Rest in peace, frater Steve
Danny Petty
Monday, January 6, 2014
I was truly lucky to meet Steve recently when I was passing through Fort Smith. Kim and I graduated together in 1977. I was excited to meet Kim's new husband. He was everything and more as she had described. People sometimes go a lifetime and never truly enjoy the pleasures of true love. While having lunch with the two of them I saw the respect and love they had for each other. I pray God comforts the family.
Holly King Whaley
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Mr. Stepka was my favorite instructor. He was so committed and passionate in his work. So very saddened to hear of his passing. Breaks my heart.
Susan Tucker
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Kim,
The entire staff at River City Deli was heartsick to hear about Steve. You've both become such an important part of our family. I can't even begin to imagine what you must be going through. Please let us know what we can do to help when you're back in Fort Smith. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Susan Tucker
Lisa Polk
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The members of the Helena West Helena Kiwanis Club are very sad to hear the news of Steve Stepka's passing. He was a major leader in our organization. Our thoughts and prayers go to the family.
Brad Clark
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Kim, Dr. Vic, Jane, Cindi, Andy, and family. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's passing. I have very fond memories of Steve from our childhood days. May God Bless and comfort you at this time!
Bill Couch
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Sandra Posey
Saturday, January 4, 2014
I am saddened for each of you in your time of hurt and sorrow. My prayers and love go out to and for each of you.
Lois Travis
Saturday, January 4, 2014
To Kim, Vic and Jane and the entire Stepka family----- I am so sorry for your loss! Please know that each of you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time!!
Pam Freeman
Saturday, January 4, 2014
I am truly heartbroken for Kim & the Stepka family. Kim please know that God, your family & many loving friends are here for you with the unexpected, untimely death of your heart & soul Steve. I pray that the 2 wonderful yrs you were married will touch you for a lifetime. I'm sure Steve will always be your special guardian Angel. God bless! Love you Kim.
Ray & Jenn Smith
Saturday, January 4, 2014
The news of Steve's passing was so saddening for Jenn and I. I've known Steve over 40+ years, and in all that time I never heard anyone say a bad word about him. A truly kind soul. I am so glad that we were able to reconnect at the Miracles fore Mary events these last years. I pray for all of the family in this difficult time. God bless you all.
Bob Gibson
Saturday, January 4, 2014
To Steve's family,
Please accept my sympathy for your untimely loss. I was privileged to be one of his fraternity brothers at ASU and will always remember all the good times we shared as we transitioned from adolescents to young men. He was a good man and a good friend.
Sincerely,
Bob "Waco" Gibson
Sylvia Richards
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Dearest Stepka Family,
I am saddened to learn of Stephen's sudden death. My heart goes out to you and my prayers are sent also. God Bless.
John and Becky Street
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Vic, Jane, Kim and all the Stepka family. We are sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our prayers so that you may find some solace and know that Steve is now in a much better place.
John Mann
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Josh and The Stepka Family,
Continuing lifting all up in Prayers! You are in our hearts always. Peace be with you!
John, Sharon and Matthew
BJ Gregory
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Praying for Josh and family during this difficult time. God Bless You
Mary Elmore
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Papa Vic, Mama Jane, Cindy, Andy and Family,
I am so very sorry for the loss of Steve. I have many happy and fond memories of him. and the entire family from way back. I pray for each one of you and I know that God will be with you and bring you peace.
Nancy And Alan Christy
Saturday, January 4, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peggy Parks Roach
Friday, January 3, 2014
Jane, Vic, and family, My love and deepest condolences to you all in your loss. Our children are just too, too young to predecease us. My heart aches for you. You are in our prayers, old friends. Much love and God Bless, xo
Peg, Paula Roach Waldman, Danny Bagley, Warren Bagley & families
Bill & Mimi Cox
Friday, January 3, 2014
We are thinking of you all with love and prayers,
Bill and Mimi
Debbie Nolen
Friday, January 3, 2014
I am just heart broken hearing the news about Stephen. I will be lifting each of you in up in prayer during this difficult time of sorrow. Lean on God to carry you through, He is our comforter..
Love Debbie
MLisa Travis Grabowski
Friday, January 3, 2014
So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. You and all his family and close friends are in my prayers.
Theresa Kuminski Adams
Friday, January 3, 2014
I don't think there are words, only prayers and time, Love and hugs, Theresa and Family!
Martha Sue McFarlin
Friday, January 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love You!
Barbara Ballard Stambaugh
Friday, January 3, 2014
Josh and Family,
Was so saddened to hear of the untimely death of your Dad and Son and Husband and loved one and Friend....Steve was a friend and co worker of mine from his PCC/U of A days. My prayer is that the Lord wraps His loving arms around each of you at this sad time and will give you the comfort and strength that you need at this time of bereavement. God Bless each of you. My prayer is that Stephen has peace and comfort in his soul.
Opal Savage
Friday, January 3, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was a great guy and will be missed greatly. God be with you in this time of great need.
J. J. Bullington
Friday, January 3, 2014
Praying for you and the family Kim.
Kathy Pausch
Friday, January 3, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.