Mary Ellen Stetka

Mary Ellen Stetka, age 55, left this world to follow her mother on a new adventure on Saturday, April 27, 2013, in the house that she loved, surrounded by the love of friends and family. A Halloween treat, Mary was born in Racine on October 31, 1957, daughter of the late Frank and Ethel (nee: Pfaffl) Stetka.

Mary was a graduate of Wm. Horlick High School, “Class of 1975.”  She was employed in the Human Resources Department of Bombardier for eight years and with JI Case Co. for twenty-five years. Always concerned for others, she cared for her mother until she passed away this past March 23, 2013.

Everyone who ever met Mary remembered her.  Why?  Her kind soul and giving spirit were infectious. She believed in the good of every person everywhere, and always looked for blessings in even the most difficult situations.  This is how she approached esophageal cancer.  Even though she was diagnosed at stage 4, she was determined that she would make the very best of whatever time she had left.  And make the most of it she did – traveling, working, gardening and helping others.  She approached her disease with humor and determination.

She was passionate about her work, her family, her friends, her animals and even what most people would consider the mundane little things of life.  She was the glue that held family and friends together, and will be sorely missed.

Survivors include her siblings, David (Alta) Stetka of Sioux Falls, SD, Laura (Dale) Swenson of North Prairie, WI, Margaret (Bill) Girdzius of Racine, Paul Stetka of Madison; Dear friend, Barbara (Robert) Simon of Racine; nieces and nephews, Kelly (Jeremy) Brockwell of Janesville, WI, Joseph (Amber) Stetka of Las Vegas, NV, Adam Swenson of Waukesha, WI; Bekki McFarland of Brodhead; great-nephews, Henry and Samuel Brockwell; other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, May 2, 2013, at 7 p.m., with Father Crewe officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 p.m. until time of service at 7 p.m.  Memorials to the Humane Society or Love and Charity Mission have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to LaJuane Fisher, Carlene Borreli, Armalina Contreras, and Kris Manske. In addition, thanks to everyone at Aurora Cancer Center, and Mary’s cancer angel, Dr. Antony Ruggieri.

MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888