Dolores M. Stepniak, Appleton, age 86, died after a courageous fight with several medical conditions on Sunday, January 17, 2021.  She was born in Coleman, WI on June 30, 1934 to the late Ernest B. and Inez V. (Semrau) Hoida.  Dolores graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes High School in 1952.  She married Donald A. Stepniak at Epiphany Church in Menominee, MI on September 20, 1958.  He preceded her in death on May 20, 2020 after 61 years of marriage.  Dolores found her career in banking.  She started out at First National Bank of Menominee and worked for many years in installment loans at Appleton State Bank (later named Valley Bank).

She and Don loved to spend time at their seasonal site at Casey Lake Campground in Odgensburg.  They also traveled all the 50 states, many European countries, Australia, and New Zealand.  They were Packer season ticket holders for many years.  Dolores loved to join friends to play cards at the Thompson Center.  She loved her family dearly and so enjoyed their holiday traditions, cooking, and serving wonderful meals.

Music brought joy to her life.  She played piano, clarinet, and saxophone.  Dolores loved to play music in her home and her love of it is one of the many gifts she passed down to her children and grandchildren.

Dolores is survived by her daughter, Karen Schmelzer, Appleton; son, Gary Stepniak, Minneapolis, MN; and grandsons:  Jacob and Matthew Schmelzer, Appleton.  She is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Don, Dolores was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Eugene Schmelzer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Martha Stepniak; brothers-in-law:  Victor (Doris), Bernard (Muriel), Henry (Jean), and Walter (Henrietta) Stepniak; and sisters-in-law:  Irene (Bernard) Michalski, Helen (Levi) Phillips, Margaret (Floyd) Madson, and Veronica (Leonard) Dorscheid.

The family would like to thank the wonderful neighbors on Kensington Court who so willingly helped Dolores with tasks around her home.  They also want to thank the many healthcare workers who assisted Dolores with her many health needs.  Her family and friends were so blessed to have those extra years with her.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 23, 2021 at ST. BERNADETTE PARISH (2331 E. Lourdes Dr. Appleton) beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Joseph Dorner will officiate.  Committal St. Joseph Cemetery.