Marion (Valentine) Stepien, 90, died at Tender Hearts Assisted Living in Suamico on Sunday, May 19 ^{th ,} 2024. Marion was born on July 23, 1933, to the late Rose Marie (Murphy) and Roland Valentine. At the age of 12 she moved with her family from rural Hintz, where her parents operated the Linzy Brook Cheese Factory, to the family farm in Abrams. She was a 1951 graduate of Oconto Falls High School. Following high school, she attended UW-Whitewater where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree, and then earned a Master of Science graduate degree from Viterbo University in La Crosse. Marion taught Business Education at Lena High School where she was known to be a very dedicated and conscientious educator. She valued perseverance, hard work and excellence. Marion leaves with her family and the students she taught her zeal for life-long learning and the goal of leaving this world better than we found it. Marion was a loving and caring mother and grandmother.

Marion and Louis Stepien were married at St. Joseph Church in Chase on May 21, 1960. They were the proud and loving parents of four children, six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. They celebrated their 50 ^th wedding anniversary at their granddaughter's wedding on May 21, 2010.

Survivors include her children: Marilu Stepien, Sobieski, Peggy (Mike) Mastey, Pulaski, Dr. Kathy Stepien, Juneau, Alaska, Jeff (Frankie) Stepien, Sobieski; grandchildren: Ashley (Gary) Karcz, Becca Mastey and husband, Paul Allen, Will Rehfeldt, Alex Rehfeldt, Cassie Stepien, and Mason Stepien; great-grandchildren: Mya and Shay Karcz; sisters: Barbara (Larry) Tilque, Rosalie (Jim) Lieberton; and brother-in-law Don Hudson. She is also survived by her husband's family: Dennis (Joanne) Stepien, Jerry (Dorothy) Stepien, Bonnie (Richard) McDermid, and Tom (Diane) Stepien. She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

In addition to her husband, Louis, and parents, Rose Marie and Roland, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanley and Frances; sister Pat Hudson; sisters-in-law, Sr. Dolorice (Stephanie) Stepien, Julie (Bob) Heinzen, Sophie Kraszewski, Florence (Frank) Kowalkowski, Marie (Ben) Schoenborn and Lorraine Stepien; and brother-in-law Lloyd (Dorothy) Stepien.

Friends are invited to gather with family at Ss. Edward & Isidore Church, 3667 Flintville Rd., Suamico, on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9-11 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. David Hoffman presiding. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Chase.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Marion's name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Tender Hearts Assisted Living, the Heartland Hospice Team, and Dr. James Williams for their care and compassion. They would also like to thank Marion's friend, Mary Wagner for caring for her while she was still at home.

Online condolences may be offered to Marion's family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.