Obituary of Henry Andrew Stepniak

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Henry Stepniak announce his passing in the early hours of Saturday, February 8, 2025. Henry was born in 1937, the youngest child of Andrew and Stella Stepniak of Ridgetown (predeceased).

He is predeceased by the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Irene Evelyn Stepniak (nee Lievens) in 2022.
He is survived by his two children David Stepniak and his wife April (nee Knowler) and Darlene and her husband Harry Joyce.

He is also survived and missed by his cherished grandchildren Taylor Stepniak (Dominique), Sarah Maynard (Brad), Jenna Gillard (Caleb), Brandan Joyce (Emma) and Jacquelyn Phillips (Chad) and by many great grandchildren, Trinity Cultess, Roman Maynard, Jonah Gillard and Frasier Phillips and twins on the way.

Henry is also predeceased by his brothers Ted Stepniak and his surviving wife Stephanie who celebrated 100 years in December 2024, Edward and Stephania Stepniak, and sisters Jean and Joe Stefina of Blenheim and Helen and John Peszat of Ridgetown. He is fondly remembered by nieces and nephews Joe Stefina Jr. (predeceased) Debby Podolinsky (John predeceased), Diana and Peter Newman, Richard and Wilma Stepniak, John and Sandra Stepniak, James and Sharon Stepniak, Stanley Stepniak (predeceased), Mark Peszat and godson Robert Stepniak (predeceased).

He is remembered by sisters-in-law Margaret and Jim Carter, Juliana and Robert Jubenville (both predeceased), Georgina and Ron Swackhammer, Florence Huszka and husband Paul (predeceased), Maria and Roger Lycke, and Rose Ann Lernout and husband George (predeceased).

He will be missed by godchildren John Carter (Joanne) and Piri Biernacki (Shane). He will be missed by many, many nieces and nephews.

He started teaching at Southwest Regional Centre in Cedar Springs in the early 1960’s and then began a 30 year career at Motor Wheel in Chatham and retired when the factory closed in the early 90’s. He was an avid long-time Toronto Maple Leafs fan and enjoyed working on his property near Ridgetown. He was a voracious reader and always surrounded himself with books on a variety of subjects from How To manuals to the mysteries of the Universe. He enjoyed listening to vinyl records and especially his favourite artist Elvis Presley. He was a long-time devout member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Ridgetown and a member of Br 243 Ridgetown Royal Canadian Legion. Friends and family knew him as a joker and philosopher but always as a steadfast friend.

Family and friends are welcome to the McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown for visitation on Friday, February 14, 2025 from 2pm-4pm and 7pm to 9pm.

Livestrean Link for Funeral Service

A funeral liturgy will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Henry always instilled the idea of giving to those less fortunate. Donation to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141