In Loving Memory
Garry L. Stepanek
December 12, 1944 - December 9, 2024

Due to the weather, the family does not expect you to drive your classic car to Garry's service, but they would love it if you would wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt promoting classic cars or the organizations associated with classic and antique cars.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to American Heart Association or the Estherville Fire Department

VISITATION
Sunday, December 15, 2024
1:00 - 3:00 P.M.
Okoboji Classic Car Museum
Milford, Iowa

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Sunday, December 15, 2024
3:00 P.M.
Okoboji Classic Car Museum
Milford, Iowa

CLERGY
Pastor Doug Burton

Garry Lee Stepanek, son of Raymond and Edna (Allbee) Stepanek, was born December 12, 1944 in rural Aberdeen, South Dakota.  He was the first of five children born to Raymond and Edna.  Garry received his education in South Dakota, graduating from T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, South Dakota.  He furthered his education at Northern State University in Aberdeen and while there he met the love of his life, Bonnie Arndt.

Garry and Bonnie were united in marriage on June 18, 1966.  They were blessed with two children, Sean and Leah.  Garry and Bonnie moved to Jackson and later made their home in Estherville. While living in  Jackson, Garry attended Jackson VoTech for Auto Repair.  Garry and Bonnie had the joy of celebrating 58 years of marriage.

Garry worked at various jobs throughout his life, some including Valen Ford and Ag Chem where he was a CNC Programmer.  This was one of Garry's favorite jobs.  While living in Estherville, Garry served on the Fire Department from June 1970 until August 1982.

Garry was active in Community Theater in the 80s.  His most memorable role was playing the villain, Mortimore Frothingham in Pure as the Driven Snow.

Garry also enjoyed traveling and taking a family vacation each summer.  Some of Garry's favorite trips were out west where he visited the U.S.S. Midway Aircraft carrier, the San Diego Zoo and traveling the Pacific Highway.  Nearly every family outing resulted in an adventure of fixing or repairing the vehicle and taking a "scenic route" past a junk yard.

Garry liked listening to Johnny Cash, old country and bluegrass.  He operated a Ham Radio and looked forward to going with Sean and friends to Dayton HamFest.   He was a Jack-of-all-Trades, doing electrical work and plumbing. Garry had beautifully restored their home in Estherville.  He had a talent for repairing cars and doing auto body work. His enjoyment of fixing automobiles led to him owning and operating his own body shop. Garry loved visiting with all of his customers.  He truly enjoyed  being a member of the Antique Auto Club, attending parades and the picnic potlucks every summer.  Garry was also a member of the Black Knights Car Club.

He loved playing practical jokes  and playing cards and could be found taking a nip of Jack Daniels once in awhile.  Garry's greatest joy and sparkle in his life are his two granddaughters, Shaunah and Lily.

Garry passed away Monday, December 9, 2024 in Mankato, Minnesota.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Erik Anderson; brother, Dennis Stepanek; three brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his wife, Bonnie of Estherville, Iowa; his children and grandchildren, Sean Stepanek (Christina) and their daughter, Shaunah of Mankato, Minnesota and Leah Anderson (Dave Koekenhoff) and Leah's daughter, Lily of Wallingford, Iowa;  Dave's daughter, Caroline and her children, Logan and Ana; siblings, Janice DeBlois, Linda Swanson and Keith Stepanek (Lori); brother-in-law, James Arndt (Rosemary); sister-in-law, Gloria Moe; many nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home