Esther M. Stepke

(Nee Papier) Beloved wife of Dick "Papa" Stepke whom she went home to on February 3, 2011. Born in Milwaukee on May 3, 1918 to Anna and Stanley Papier, she graduated from Bay View High School. She married Dick in August of 1941. Dick and Esther had three children, Russ, Jane and Rick. Preceding Esther in death were Dick, her son, Rick, her grandson, Drew Stepke, her parents, her sisters Emily (Eddie) Jankowski, Alyce Papier, Adeline (Joe) Welsher and Ruth (Jack) Lyons. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Jane (Albert) Knaak and son, Russ Stepke; grandchildren Bradley Knaak, Ryan (Jessica) Knaak, Rick (Kim) Knaak, Jaime Nuss, Kelly Stepke, Bret Stepke, Carrie (Patrick) Dlugosch and Dr. Chad (Alyson) Stepke as well as 15 great granchildren, Jack Stepke, Lily Stepke, Molly Stepke, Annie Stepke, Charlie Stepke, Drew Dlugosch, Bella Dlugosch, Parker Dlugosch, Bailey Nuss, Lainey Nuss, Jeremy Nuss, Alyssa Stepke, Chloe Knaak, Jessica Knaak and Jacob Knaak, along with nieces and nephews with a very special mention of her devoted and loving cousin, Rita Antoniewicz, who was her constant companion for many years. Grandma Goose, as her grandchildren called her - she once told them she was "just an old goose!" was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In her last years, visits to and by her great grandchildren were times of immense joy for her. An accomplished cook, baker, home economist as well as clothes designer and maker, she kept a wonderful home for all to enjoy. Visitation will be at the Max Sass Funeral Home at 1515 W. Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, from 5 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2012. A private burial for immediate family will be on February 15, 2012.