Rosemarie A “Rea” Steppan, age 84, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on May 17, 2023, at Stonehill Care Center while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Rosemarie’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 241 Peosta Street, Peosta, IA.  Family and friends are invited to join in fellowship for two hours prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery in Centralia.  The service will be livestreamed on the Parish’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stelizabethpastorate for those who cannot physically attend. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rosemarie’s family.

Rea was born on October 15, 1938, in LaPorte, IN, a daughter to William Henry Sr. and Emily (Neve) Westney.  She grew up with dreams of nurturing and adoring a family of her own one day and prepared herself to be the best wife and mother she could be for them.  In time, her family had moved to the Chicago area and she completed her high school education there before continuing on and earning her Bachelor’s Degree at Northeastern Illinois University.  Rea finally found her soul-mate, Edmund “Bud” Steppan, and the predestined couple was united in marriage on February 17, 1962.  They spent 61 wonderful years together raising their family, sharing in life’s adventures, and leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment that became even more visible as Rea was reunited with Bud only 21 days after he was called home to the Lord.  Two hearts had truly become one and the example they set will live on vividly within the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved them.  She spent over 25 years of her working career with Bodine Electric, both in Chicago and Peosta.  After retirement, she found a few other ways to spend her time helping others and keeping herself busy.  Rosemarie always enjoyed the outdoor activities whenever possible and if a round of golf, or a friendly softball game would make it into her day, then she was quite content to call that a successful day.  She also enjoyed bowling with family and friends as well and was a faithful member, lector, and eucharistic minister at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, as well as a longtime member of St. Benedict’s Church in Chicago.  Rea was the finest example of love and light we could hope to see in our daily walks.  Her easy-going demeanor, coupled with her devotion to all that was good in this world, left no room for anything but love and acceptance to flow forth from her in words, thoughts and actions alike.  The world is surely a lesser place today without the essence of Rosemarie walking among us.  Mom and Dad leave behind many broken hearts today, but we are thankfully able to find peace in the fact that they are back together once again, and now for all of eternity and in a state of perfection.  Thank you, Rea, for being exactly the kind of woman the Lord made you to be and may He bless you abundantly as you hear the words you’ve been waiting patiently for; well done good and faithful servant, well done! 

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Rosemarie include,

her four sons,

Ed (Anne) Steppan, III, St. Anne, IL,

Tim (Angela) Steppan, Hartford, S.D.,

Bob Steppan, Bolingbrook, IL,

and Bill (Jenny) Steppan, Dubuque, IA;

her five grandchildren,

Tim (Rachel) Steppan, Kevin (Hannah) Steppan, Mark Steppan, Amber (Mark) Dye, and Vivian Steppan;

her three great-grandchildren,

Freya Steppan, Greta Steppan, and Isabella Dye;

her brother-in-law,

Robert Ladlaw, North Carolina;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Rea was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 61 years, Bud Steppan; and her siblings, William Henry Westney Jr., Robert (Lynne) Westney, Delphine (Ben) Ladenthin, Fern (Warren) Johnson, and Marilyn Ladlaw.

Rosemarie’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all their professional and compassionate care of Rea and her family.  Losing both Mom and Dad within 21 days of each other is as difficult a reality as we could ever have to face in this life, but being surrounded by such a wonderful staff and feeling your sincere support through each day has truly made these beyond difficult days just a little more bearable.  We are beyond grateful for each and every one of you and may the Lord bless you all for your kindnesses.

Online condolences may be shared with Rosemarie’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com