Stephen Thomas Stepanek
Stephen Thomas Stepanek
Cedar Rapids
Stephen Thomas Stepanek, 37, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully on May 20, 2023, after an inspirational 8-month fight against glioblastoma (grade four brain cancer). After cremation, a visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 25, at The Legacy Center at Murdoch-Linwood in SW Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life service will also take place at 4 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, followed by a reception at Bass Farms in Mount Vernon at 6 p.m. Stephen’s ashes will later be buried at the Czech National Cemetery.
Stephen was born Aug. 26, 1985, to parents Thomas and Sheila Stepanek of Cedar Rapids. He married Brittney Robinson on Nov. 15, 2013.
Stephen will be deeply missed and is survived by his parents; wife; son, Sawyer; daughter, Sylvia of Cedar Rapids; sister, Holly (Ryan) Rogers of Iowa City, Iowa; grandparents, Louis (Marie, deceased) Stepanek; grandparents, Raymond and Bobbie Travis; his in-law Robinson family; several aunts, uncles and even more cousins.
Stephen graduated Prairie High School in 2004 and served in the U.S. Navy from 2005-2009. He jokes that he joined to see and travel the world but got four years of onshore duty. He reflects on his time as, “I wouldn’t trade it for a million dollars, but I wouldn’t do it again for a million dollars.” His wit and humor were contagious to many, his stories were long and detailed, and his caring personality connected him with family, friends, coworkers (last employed at Quaker Oats) and strangers.
Stephen will be remembered for his spontaneity, optimism and kind heart. He would light up a room, bring more energy, and you could always count on him to have fun. He enjoyed hobbies like playing ice hockey, attending races, watching Jeopardy, learning other languages and booking vacations. Travel was important to him, as well as quality time with his family. He loved being a husband and Dad, some of his proudest titles.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.murdochfuneralhome.com.