Deanna Stepanek: 1939-2023

Deanna K. Stepanek, age 83 of Yankton, S.D., passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital after a brief battle with cancer. A memorial service was held Monday, July 31 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Burial of her cremated remains will be in the Tyndall Presbyterian Cemetery.

Deanna was born on Dec. 9, 1939, to Chet and Maxine Wilson in Spencer, Neb. She attended school in Butte, Neb. from 1st grade until she graduated from Butte High School in 1957. While in high school, she worked at the town’s movie theater.

Deanna went to work at Snyder’s grocery store after high school. She then moved to Yankton, working at Newberry’s. California was her next stop as she moved out there to be her brother’s nanny, watching his children. She married Lawrence Stepanek on Sept 7, 1962 in Butte. She moved to a farm in Tabor, SD with him where they raised their three children. In 2000, they moved to Yankton, where she resided until her death. Lawrence and Deanna were married for 58 years.

She had many talents when it came to sewing. She loved to make baby blankets for all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Reading and jigsaw puzzles were some of her favorite hobbies. Baking was always one of her favorite things to do, especially making kolaches, pies, and cookies. Later in life, Deanna loved visiting with her great grandchildren as they came over often to visit her.

Deanna is survived by her three children: Ken (Kathy) Menno, S.D., Debbie (Dan) Eilers, Mission Hill, S.D. and Barb (Dave) Ament, Yankton; eight grandchildren: Kyle (Loni) and Kaleb (Rachael) Stepanek, Meagan (Trevor Nelson), Nichole (Nathan Nelson) and Lindsey (Luis Velazquez), Brittany, Austin, and Autumn Ament; and five great-grandchildren.

She is proceeded in death by her husband, parents, sister, and brother.