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Raymond Stepanski


Raymond Stepanski

Raymond Stepanski

Raymond Joseph Stepanski, 94, of Alpena, passed away July 19, 2022, with his family beside him. He was affectionately known as “Ripper” and will be remembered on Mackinac Island, especially in Hubbard’s Annex, for his excellent carpentry skills and meticulous work on historic homes for 20 summer seasons. He also built lasting friendships during this time, and while on the Island, he served the Catholic community of Ste. Anne Church.

Mr. Stepanski was born October 25, 1927, to Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth (nee Romel) Stepanski in Alpena. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 and served as a TEC 4 in Japan.

He married Dora Jean Dubey on June 19, 1954, at Ste. Anne Catholic Church.

He was a member of Saint Mary’s Parish of Alpena and served as president of the Ushers Club for many years. He was also a fourthdegree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 529.

Those who knew him remember the many entertaining stories he would tell about his Polish heritage, growing up on the “West End” of Alpena, his military service, bread routes, and crane operation. He worked for Douville’s Bakery as a baker and driver-salesman for more than 50 years, eventually retiring from Grocers Baking Company. Mr. Stepanski was passionate about crane operating, working on many projects in Alpena. A jack of all trades, he excelled in carpentry. Anything he fixed or built was meant to last, his family says. He taught his children to help with projects, use the right tools for the task, and to “do it right or don’t do it at all.”

In his spare time, Mr. Stepanski enjoyed league bowling and hunting at “The Wreck,” his friend’s hunting camp.

Mr. Stepanski is survived by four children and their families, Julie and Donald Bey of Perry, Karen and James Breitschuh of Macomb, Jane Stepanski of Clinton Township, and Keith Stepanski of Alpena; five grandchildren and their families, Daniel Bey, Matthew Bey, Courtney and Charlie Page, Jillian and Trevor Collard, and Sarah Stepanski; a great-grandson, Max Edward Page; a brother, Joseph Jr. of Alpena; a sister and her family, Theresa and Patrick Dignan of Alpena, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Jean, of 57 years in 2011; a son, Kevin, in 2018, and siblings Marge, Jeanette, Alice, Elaine, Clement, Thomas, and Arthur.

Family and friends will gather for visitation Friday, August 19, at 10 a.m. at Saint Mary Church of All Saints Parish in Alpena. Inurnment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Alpena.

Memorials may be made to All Saints School, 500 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena, MI 49707, or a charity of choice.

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