My thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this difficult time.  May his memory and spirit live on in all of you.  

I’ll always remember that no matter what the temperature was Mr. Stepek would be there in shorts.  The bravest man at an Elk Grove football game or chilly spring softball game even if it was only 35 degrees!! 

Terri and family, 
So sorry to hear about Tom's passing.  What a shock.  Tom, you and all of the Stepek family are in our thoughts and prayers.  Let perpetual light shine up on Tom and may his soul and the souls of all of the faithfully departed rest in peace.  He was such a wonderful person.  Tom was truly a gift to all who call him a friend.

Dear Sarah and family, I am so sorry for your loss. No words can fully express my sympathies nor your pain. I hope that all the memories you made together this summer, and prior, will help to ease your pain and bring comfort to your hearts. Know, that you are in my thoughts, as well as so many others.  Love to you all, Mary

I am so incredibly sorry to hear. Mr. Stepek was and always will be one of my favorite people ever.  He was my first softball coach and remained my coach for the majority of the 8 years I played.  My parents were very fond of him also. He was so kind and funny. I still got to continue seeing him over the years when I was working at Osco and he would come in to the store. It would always make my day to see him. His smile really could just change your entire day. He was just a great great person. I loved him and I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. 

You will be in our hearts forever, Columbo brother.

Be strong beautiful Terri and girls.  Tom’s spirit and goodness will always be with us.

Endless Love,

Danny Kusch

Buckeye AZ

Terri, our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.  Tom will always be remembered for his smile and laughter and the kindness he showed to everyone.  I  will look back with fondness on the days  we spent playing ball together at Columbo school yard and being with you and him at Columbo events.  We will always cherish the memories of Tom and he will always be with us.   Love and peace  to you.  Len and Nancy

Sarah and family,
You are in my thoughts in prayers.  I remember several stories that Sarah shared in the office at WTHS of her father’s handyman work. 

Sending you a warm hug.

Always in the hearts of all Columbos now and forever. Lots of love and prayers to the entire Stepek Family. 

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FRIEND AND PERSON.
TOM HAS BEEN A VITAL PART OF MY LIFE FOR OVER 60 YEARS
AND ALWAYS ADDED LAUGHTER, FUN AND WISDOM TO ANY TIME WE WERE TOGETHER.
MARY ANN AND I CONSIDER TO BE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GO SKIING IN UTAH WITH TOM AND TERRI IN OUR YOUNGER DAYS.
HIS BIKE VISITS WERE ALWAYS A GREAT ADDITION TO ANY DAYS EXPERIENCE-THEY WILL BE MISSED.
SOME OTHER MEMORIES:
HRC - HANDSOME ROVING COWBOY
HIS WINE COLLAGE
TRAVELING TO DUKE GAMES TOGETHER
CEDAR LAKE PICNICS
WATCHING SPORTS IN HIS BASEMENT ON WALTON STREET.
TOM, THANK YOU FOR BEING A PART OF OUR LIVES
TERRI AND FAMILY - THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU.
YOU ARE LOVED

Dear Sarah,
I'm so sorry to hear this news about your dad.  I will be thinking of you and your family, hoping that time will help you all heal and move past the sadness and pain, keeping only fond, happy memories.
Sincerely,
Zip Webster

Our hearts and prayers go out to Terri, Monica, Sarah and the whole Stepek family.  Tom was as good as it gets for a human being.  During our nearly sixty years of friendship I had never heard Tom raise his voice in anger.   His bicycling escapades were legendary.  He even showed up at our house in Brookfield one day with a flat tire!  But, his friendship is what we will remember.  Tom always stayed in touch and I could always rely on him to give me an update on the rest of the Columbos.  When we got together later in life it was always a good time.  Just like when we used to sit on his stairs of his house on Walton Street when we were kids.  We shared so many experiences together and we are so grateful for Tom’s kind presence on this earth.

The Kusch Family

So sorry for your loss. I’d see Tom & the family at weddings & celebrations.  My daughter, Antonette Houchins, remembers Tom teaching her the Polka at a family wedding. Much love & prayer in your time of grief. ❤️🙏🏻

Tom was a dear and wonderful Columbo friend who always had a smile and kind word for anyone he met. He will be treasured for his good humor and loving friendship.  Unfortunately, we live just a liitle out of his "bicycle"  range for a home visit. Our hearts go out to the Stepek family with our love.

Tom was a wonderful guy,  who I met when I was just a teenager. His big sister, Adelyne, was marrying my Uncle Dennis (who was more like a big brother to me). The Stepeks have been our family ever since. I got to know him over the years as a great music lover and generous soul. He will be greatly missed.

Will remember Tom with heartfelt memories.A good friend for so many years.A kind and gentle man who enjoyed life will miss his visits when he would bike over to the house.Rest in peace.

Camping with my Uncle Tom while growing up set me on a path that I still follow today. Uncle Tom was kind and generous, and he was always willing to share his interests with us whenever we asked. I remember exploring his coin collection and fishing with him in Kentucky in the Land Between the Lakes.  Later in life, I helped Uncle Tom with his bicycle needs, and we often talked about the many adventures, routes, and rides he explored on his hybrid bicycle.  I will certainly miss my Uncle Tom, as he helped create many wonderful memories that I will forever keep. 

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Stepek

November 2, 1946 – July 26, 2019

Oehler Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services