Once in a lifetime that is unique and special, a person comes along who will leave a lasting and indelible imprint on the hearts and lives of those they touch. One such person was Dr. Stephen John Wierzbinski Jr. Our father Stephen was born November 11, 1930 in Norwich, Connecticut to Stephen and Stella Wierzbinski. The eldest of three boys, brothers William (Laura Lee) in Greendale Wisconsin, and Theodore (Eliza) in Riverton Utah, Stephen was suddenly called home to be received into the loving and open arms of his Lord and Savior on 8-25-2020.
Early on in Stephen’s life it was evident he was a high achiever with dreams, aspirations, and visions that he would conquer; he did not disappoint. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy in 1943 where he excelled and was accepted to Harvard University. He graduated in 1952 and from there, attended Tufts Medical School, where he graduated in 1956 Cum Laude. After Medical School, Stephen joined the Army and served as a captain from 1957-1958. During his time in the Army, he received an Army Commendation Medal.
He married the love of his life, soulmate, devoted partner and best friend, Edith Carey on June 1, 1957. Their love story was one for the books. They had four children together: Stephen, (Donna), Cathy, Duane), Mark, (Wocky), and Ann Marie. Their beautiful and tender sixty-three years together endured the peaks, valleys and storms of life only to bind them closer and stronger together than ever imagined. They were always seen holding hands together and it was not uncommon to have strangers stop them with comments on their obvious love, devotion and admiration for one another. Edith would always say to Steve, "Grow old with me the best is yet to be", and so it was!
Stephen is survived by his wife Edith, four children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He is survived by two brothers William of Greendale Wisconsin and Theodore of Riverton Utah. In addition to many nieces and nephews, Stephen is survived by his constant companion Corky, his dachshund.
Stephen and Edith moved from Massachusetts in 1962 so that Stephen could join the Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Team. Throughout his time with Kaiser Permanente he never hesitated to lend his wisdom, insights, words of encouragement and support to his team members. He led by example, exuding excellence in all areas and was a role model for many that knew him. From 1984 to 1995 Stephen was the Area Associate Medical Director. His vision and leadership saw to fruition new fields of medicine, initiation of Cardiac rehab and Addiction Medicine. He was the driving force behind the opening of The High Desert Kaiser MOB, named after him in his honor. In 1985 Stephen became the first Kaiser Permanente Physician to become Director of the San Bernardino County Medical Society. When Stephen retired from Kaiser in 1995, he was given a plaque that read, "Each of us can’t do much about the length of our life, but we can each effect its depth and width. The river of your life has been deep, wide, and rich. Thank you for sharing a portion with us.”
His other passions were his love for the fishing pole and his love for golfing. He loved to fish and was blessed to have many close friends that enjoyed the same hobby and passion. He was often known to go on annual fishing trips and have them summed up with a lamb roast for dinner where stories and tales would be told. He would fish various streams nationwide where his hand made flies proved to be extremely successful and his joys became reality. He loved to take the entire family to Yellowstone where we were blessed to visit God's beautiful county together!
Stephen was a member of the Fisheries Reserve Volunteer Com, FRVC, Federation of Fly Fishers, and Deep Creek Fly Fishers. His quest to keep our mountains and streams preserved for others to enjoy and partake of was a joy and honor.
In addition to fishing, Stephen loved to golf. His weekly T times were a highlight for him due to the camaraderie and lasting friendships he cultivated with those he played. After each weekly round, they would all go over to Costco for hot dogs, conversation and friendship.
He was an active member of the Upland St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an Usher and Eucharistic Minister. His dedicated service, unwavering and steadfast faith and devotion to his Lord and Savior undoubtedly reserved him a space in Heaven where he is spending eternal life. Stephen was active and proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council number 3672 in Ontario. He was always seen at the Annual Saint Georges fish fry and was happy to serve you a beverage. Our father will be deeply missed, but we can and will honor him by living the life he humbly conveyed. Where there is doubt, we can sow faith, where there is injuring show pardon, where there is darkness shine light, where there is despair shine hope.
Funeral Services will be held at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church in Upland on Friday October 2, 2020 at 11:00 am. Graveside services to follow will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial fund at Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare to support the Padua Village Residential Program. You can donate online at www.casacloina.org or email your donation to Casa Colina Foundation, 225 E. Bonita Avenue, Pomona CA 91769. For more information please call 909-596-7733 ext. 2260.
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