PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN SERVICE LOCATION. VISITATION WILL BE HELD AT KRAUSE FUNERAL HOME, 12401 W. NATIONAL AVE, NEW BERLIN, ON SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021, AT 9:00 AM UNTIL THE TIME OF SERVICE AT 11:00 AM.
(Nee Stepien) The dear Lord opened his arms and took Marie to Heaven at the age of 90 years young on March 15, 2021. Loving wife and best friend of Benjamin for 67 years. As Marie would say, “the first words Ben said to me were may I have this dance and we’ve been dancing ever since”.
Marie was born on a dairy farm near Chase, Wisconsin, the seventh of twelve children and attended a one room grade school. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, she had many fond memories of her childhood. Marie enjoyed teaching kindergarten for 25 years at Children’s World in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. She was awarded Teacher of the Year twice. Her fondest memories were of former students returning as high school students to tell her the impact she had on them at such a young age.
Marie enjoyed decorating her home with antiques, gardening, baking, and canning. She loved the color red. Her greatest love was for her dear Ben and family. In retirement, they enjoyed their cottage, woodcarving, and dancing.
Marie was the perfect example and cherished mother to Michael (Debbie) Schoenborn, Luann (James) Fox, and Tamra Schoenborn (Jim). Devoted grandmother to Ben, Kate, Andy, David, and Ally and loved to bake treats, give hugs, and hide the pickle in the Christmas tree for them.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Benjamin; parents Stanley and Frances Stepien; siblings: Julie (Bob) Heinzen; Sister Dolorice (formerly Stephanie) Stepien; Louis Stepien; Sophie (Donald) Kraszewski; Florence (Frank) Kowalkowski; and sister-in-law Dottie Stepien. She is survived by siblings: Lloyd Stepien; Lorraine Stepien; Dennis (Joanne) Stepien; Jerry (Dottie) Stepien; Bonnie (Dick) McDermid; Tom (Diane) Stepien; sister-in-laws: Marion Stepien and Norma Scott.
If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made for children with special needs. Marie’s children ask to remember her with a kind deed to someone in need.
There will be a celebration of Marie’s life at the Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin, on Saturday, May 29th, 2021, from 9:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM.