Ronald Stepka

TRAVERSE CITY — Ronald Edwin Stepka, 74, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with cancer. Ron was born in Manistee on Sept. 4, 1937, to Matthew W. and Irene L. (Heuer) Stepka.After graduating from Manistee High School in 1955, Ron went on to Davenport College, where he earned an Associate of Business degree. Ron received a second associate's degree from Northwestern Michigan College and later finished his bachelor's degree in business from Ferris State University.Ron's professional career began in 1959 with Security National Bank in Manistee. In 1962 his career path took him to Traverse City, where he served as vice president of Empire National Bank. After 20 years with Empire National Bank, Ron went on to work for Old Kent Bank in the trust department. In 1993, Ron was offered a position in the loan department with TBA Credit Union. He later retired from TBA Credit Union in 2008.Ron was very proud to have completed almost 40 years in the banking industry with a financial institution that meant so much to him. Ron's professional affiliations included Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, Traverse City Optimist Club, Grand Traverse Estate Planning Council, Munson Medical Center Development Council and Kiwanis Club.Ron was an avid sportsman. His love and passion for the out of doors was apparent. He began his hunting and fishing experiences as a child on the Little Manistee River. In later years Ron continued to hunt, fish, enjoy time with his family along with his beloved dogs, Gus and Maddie. He often returned to his favorite area along the Little Manistee River, where he spent many days as a child.Ron was a member of Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited and Ruffed Grouse Society. He was also a member and an outdoor education instructor with the National Ski Patrol for 42 years. Additionally, Ron was true to his faith and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.Ron is survived by his wife, JoAnn E. (Tyson) Stepka. They were married in 1959 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manistee. Together for almost 53 years, Ron and JoAnn have two children, The Honorable Michael S. Stepka (Catherine), of Traverse City, and Kelli S. Stepka (Dr. Mark Ross), of Northport. Other survivors include sister, Carol Catlow (Rick Cram), of Lansing; brother-in-law, Richard Tyson, of Tampa, Fla.; two grandchildren, Michael Stepka and Elizabeth Stepka; and many nieces and nephews.Ron was preceded in death by his father, Matthew W. Stepka; mother, Irene L. (Stepka) Callaghan; and stepfather, James D. Callaghan.Memorial services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 14, 2012, at noon, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Robert Zagore will officiate.The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Richard Kosinski and Dr. John Zachman for the excellent care they provided to Ron throughout his illness. The family would also like to thank Grand Traverse Pavilions for treating Ron with such respect and professionalism. In remembrance of Ron, memorial contributions may be made to Karmonos Cancer Institute at Wayne State University, Grand Traverse Pavilions or Trinity Lutheran Church. Envelopes may be obtained at the church.Kindly share your memories with the family on their online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Arrangements were made with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.