Stephen Michael Czapiewski September 17, 1957 – April 22, 2025

Stephen Michael Czapiewski, age 67, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at Mayo Clinic's St. Marys Campus, surrounded by his loved ones.

Steve was born on September 17, 1957, in Winona, Minnesota, to Robert and Janet (Brom) Czapiewski. He grew up in Spring Valley and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1976. During his school years, Steve was known for diving headfirst into everything—from football and wrestling to the choir and German Club. He played tuba in the band and even starred as Peter Pan in the senior class play. Steve still holds the school record for the fastest pin in wrestling, a record he wore like a badge of honor.

After high school, Steve attended Pipestone Vocational School, earning a degree in tailoring—though he liked to say he had a degree in "Fashion Merchandising and Marketing," with a wink and a smile. Over the years, Steve worked as a route driver for various companies, but he especially loved his part-time retirement gig at the Hy-Vee meat counter, where he could chat, laugh, and share stories with just about anyone.

In 1980, Steve married Penny Thompson, and together they welcomed two daughters, Allison and Sara. Later, Steve met the love of his life, Trish Milliard. They married on July 29, 1995, and together they had two children, Zach and Zoe.

Steve had a deep love for the simple joys in life—bowling (which he also coached), cooking, gardening, fishing, cheering on the Packers, and rocking out to '70s and '80s Classic Rock, especially Pink Floyd. He had a big heart, an even bigger laugh, and an unmatched gift for storytelling. More than anything, Steve loved being a dad and grandpa. His kids and grandkids were the light of his life.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Trish; his children, Allison (Matt) Timm, Sara (Josh) Marshman, Zach Czapiewski, and Zoe (Nate Mallo) Czapiewski; and his grandchildren, Jacob Kinzer, Gillian, Mollie, Eloise, and Juliette Marshman. He is also survived by his mother, Janet Czapiewski; siblings, Chris (Renae Lange), Mike (Meg), Debbie (Scott) Worden, Jeff (Susan), Karen "Goldie" (Wade) Krahn, Kathy (Gary) Nagel, George, Susan (Tim) Hoke; brother-in-law, Tim (Janice) Milliard and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Robert Czapiewski; in-laws, Pat and Donna Milliard; grandparents; and nephews, Owen and Keegan Czapiewski.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at The River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com .