Stepheny R Rostkowski

Stepheny (Walters) Rostkowski passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, WI, surrounded by her family.  She was born October 19, 1960 to Richard and Dorothy (Dorsey) Walters in Sparta, WI.

Stepheny was the oldest of 4 children, and grew up in the Sparta area.  She graduated from Sparta High School as Valedictorian of the Class of ’79.  Steph met Ralph Rostkowski and they married on October 18, 1985.  They made their home in Rockland, WI.

Steph worked for Ted-N-Fred’s in her younger years.  She enjoyed her work in customer service.  She then worked for Bonanza Restaurant as an assistant manager.  Stepheny liked a challenge and made a career move to Pizza Hut, where she worked for several years. She was a regional manager for La Crosse and Winona Pizza Hut.  Steph loved people and enjoyed the pizza business.  She had a wonderful boss and a great crew that worked under her.  Stepheny always made everyone feel special and very needed. After Pizza Hut was sold, Stepheny made a career change to the banking industry. Stepheny currently worked for Marine Credit Union, as a Deposit Operations Supervisor.  She was a fast learner, and always made work fun. She had a bubbly personality and got along with everyone. Stepheny saw the good in everyone. Never saw the bad.

Stepheny loved to cook and bake. Often bringing all sorts of treats for coworkers to sample. She enjoyed family time, especially with her nieces and nephews. She hosted many family get togethers. Steph was always up for a shopping trip.  Especially “Black Friday” and “the day after Christmas” shopping with nieces. Of course, she always treated them to breakfast, and to lunch (their choice)!

Stepheny is survived by her husband, Ralph; sisters, Sheryl Brooks and Stacy Green; nieces, Melissa Walters, Michelle Reed, Marsha Bertram, Nicole Green, Lindsay Mashak, Mandy Berry, and Monica Walters; nephews, James and Jeremy Reed; sisters-in-law, Angeline Reem and Debbie Cain. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Dorothy Walters; brother, Steven Walters; and her mother and father-in-law.

The family would like to thank Gundersen Lutheran for the wonderful care she received. A special thank you to the ICU/CCU doctors, unit nurses, and staff who were extremely excellent in the care and concern provided to Stepheny.

Per Stepheny’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Rockland Schoolhouse in Rockland, WI.  The service will begin at 1pm, with Priscilla Hemmersbach officiating. Luncheon to follow.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stepheny R Rostkowski, please visit our floral store.