Stephanie Martha Vierck, nee Porod, 75, of Theresa, WI, was born into Eternal Life on December 24, 2014 at her home with her husband, as always, by her side.
She was born on September 25, 1939 to the late John and Stephanie Porod. Growing up in Menominee, MI, she came from a blended and extensive family of 12 brothers and sisters. As one of the older children, she took responsibility on early helping to care for the younger children and later an ill aunt. This easily explains how she so very naturally fell into motherhood and fell into it very comfortably and wonderfully. On December 31, 1960 she was united in marriage to Kenneth Vierck in Milwaukee, WI.
Stephanie always knew her purpose in life and that was raising and caring for her family, even though she could have been anything she wanted to be. She was smart, creative, athletic, funny, loving, and precocious. She always had a trick up her sleeve, an idea for a new craft on her mind, and family in her heart. Her ambition was to make everyone around her happy and that she did!
Her favorite hobbies were bowling, reading, crocheting, knitting, and sewing. Favorite past-times included those that she could share with her husband such as, traveling to Phoenix in the winters, Cribbage, Tetris, playing cards, gardening and casinos. While raising her children she was privileged to be a rare "stay at home" Mom and spent her time volunteering at Ebenezer Lutheran Church and School with her talents.
Some people may think that leaving earth at this time of year, Christmas, must be so sad and how it would be sad each Christmas. However, Mom loves Christmas! She would put her tree and lights up right after Thanksgiving and leave them up until February! So, if there was a time of year for her to choose, it would be this time.
Stephanie is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Kenneth; six children, Kenneth Karl(Ardie) Vierck, Jr., Dianna Lynn(Joseph) Falkenberg, Carol Anne(Richard)Kowalski, Carlene Anne(John) Erickson, Laura Lee(Gary) Hanks, and Steven Kirk(Cari) Vierck; 13 grandchildren, Marisa (Daniel), Annalise, Ashley, Justin, Christopher (Cara), Daniel, Stephanie, Samantha (David), Amber (Michael), Emily (John), Alexis, Austin, and Hayley; four great-grandchildren, Sylas, Oliver, Lillian, and Rose;and other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Step-Mother, three brothers and two sisters-in-law.
Stephanie ("Honeygirl", "Rusty") will be greatly missed by so many who were affected by her infectious love and silliness; sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial service in remembrance of Stephanie will be held on Monday, December 29th at 3:00 pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church - Mayville (N8092 County Road AY) with Rev Douglas Zahner officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 1:00 pm until the time of service.
The Dash by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning... to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars... the house... the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash... would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?
Psalm 23: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.