George F. Stepien, age 99 of Marion, WI passed away late Wednesday evening July 22, 2026 at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha, WI.
George Francis Stepien was born on October 4, 1926, on the family farm in Porterfield, WI, to the late John and Nora (Bernat) Stepien. Growing up in a large farm family, he often shared fond memories of his youth and his early school days in a one-room schoolhouse.
In service to his country, George enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving in Georgia and Texas until his honorable discharge in May 1947. Upon returning to upper Wisconsin, he worked logging with his brother before spotting a newspaper advertisement for Bucyrus-Erie offering tool and die maker training. Taking the leap, he relocated to South Milwaukee, where he met the love of his life, Eleanor. Following a downsize at Bucyrus-Erie, George transitioned to working as a mechanic for the City of South Milwaukee—a career he dedicated himself to for 35 years until his retirement in 1989.
George and Eleanor later moved to Marion to be closer to their daughter and family. Always eager to give back, George became deeply involved in the local community, serving as a city alderperson and on the Waupaca County ADRC board. Never losing touch with his agricultural roots, he and Eleanor spent many years working during strawberry season at Glendale Farms and were active members of the Union Threshernee Club in Symco.
A lifelong advocate for education, George and Eleanor regularly volunteered at Marion Elementary School, reading with local schoolchildren. They were also deeply passionate about Trees for Tomorrow in Eagle River, spending countless volunteer hours there and establishing the Stepien Trusts to provide scholarships for youth to attend programs. George’s signature advice to anyone he met was simple yet enduring: “Plant a tree.”
Above all, George embraced life with joy and music. His home was always filled with the sounds of polkas or country music, and he never missed an opportunity to attend Sunday polka dances.
George is survived by his daughter: Kay & Leslie Gray
Grandchildren: Andrew & Brenda, Patrick & Kelsey, & Christina & Darin
Great-grandchildren: Riley, George, Brantley, Everly, & Isabelle
Siblings: Dale Stepien & Helen Lund
As well as over 30 nieces & nephews
George was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eleanor; and siblings, Adeline, Walter, Vernon, Larry, Loretta, Eleanor, Stella, Irene, John, & Jean; as well as a sister-in-law, MaryAnn.
Memorial services will be held 11 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Town of Dupont, with the Rev. Karen Riemer officiating. Military honors will be conducted at church following the service by members of the William Bertram American Legion Post #198, of Marion.
Visitation will take place on Monday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.
The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, is assisting the family.
An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.
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