Stephen L. Banaszak

Stephen, age 92, son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather,father-in-law, uncle, brother and friend passed away surrounded and supported by family and friends. Stephen had length of days and fullness of life. One of his favorite sayings was 'the difficult takes a little while; the impossible a little longer'. Stephen lived out that axiom, from his boyhood in South Milwaukee born to Polish -American parents, living through the depression,learning farming in summers on his uncle's farm; then called to be part of the 'Greatest Generation' serving in WWII, returning to build this country, raise a family, have an honest career, create for others and provide opportunities for the next generations and finally to face the challenges of age with determination and grace. He attended South Division High in Milwaukee. Graduated with a bachelor's degree in business from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1940 while working fulltime nights in a union job for the railroad. Street car fare was 5 cents; Stephen would save that money for better things by walking back and forth to Marquette twice a day across the windy 6th Street viaduct. He used the nickels he saved to date the love of his life, Dolores M. Stroinski. The met in February 1941 then married in November 22, 1941 beginning their life together. December 7th 1941 changed life. He enlisted in the Navy, serving his country in WWII. Having a college degree, his was able to train as a '90 day wonder' in Officers Training School upon completion attained the rank of Ensign in the US Navy. During active duty he trained 'recalled' service personnel as well as serving on the USS Chicago patrolling the Atlantic coast and, training men on LSTs for the D-Day invasion. He served with the courage, determination and sacrifice of his generation. His years of service and sacrifice were as pivotal for him as it was for the entire nation. After the war, he took a job with the Wisconsin Employment Service where he helped place returning veterans in needed jobs. During this time, he educated himself on the types of jobs he was finding men to fill. He went to construction sites learning all the construction trades. He transferred with the Employment Service to Madison in 1948. Moving to the Madison area spurred him to start out on his own career in home construction then real estate. As a member of the Madison Builder's Association he participated in the 'Parade of Homes' event. He was also a member of the Madison Realtors Association. As a builder, he was often his own architect. Dolores and Steve had one son and eight daughters. They dedicated their lives raising a family that spanned 20 years. In addition to raising their own family, they worked with Catholic Social Services providing respite for women with children. Stephen's family was his legacy having 9 children 32 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He had love which was expressed in his presence and his hands always ready to help. During this full life of creating, Stephen learned to fly. He and Dolores danced, square dance, biked, camped, walked and travelled in the State of Wisconsin and throughout the country and to Mexico City. They were available always for their grandchildren's life events and daily needs. Stephen's life was directed by his faith. He and Dolores were members of Our Lady Queen of Peace since 1949 and in the last years of his life celebrating Mass at St. Joseph/Good Shepherd church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Madison. Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Dolores Banaszak; sister, Elaine Lewandowski; his children, Stephen M. (Pat) Banaszak ; Mary (Doug)Schaller, Susan (Dick Priebe) Banaszak Priebe, Lynn (Richard) Crabtree,Karen (Jeff Reinke) Banaszak, Nancy Banaszak-Lambert, Geradette (Brian)Barkey and Dolores Snell. He is also survived by son-in-Law John Shively, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Mary Banaszak, his mother and father in law John and Marie Stroinski, daughter Anita Banaszak-Shively, granddaughter Theresa Banaszak and grandsons Patrick (PJ) Snell, Daniel and Patrick Banaszak and many relatives. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 4, 2012. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL HOME, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 3, 2012, and also on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. The family would also like to thank St. Mary's Care Center, Dr. Doug Smith and Agrace Hospice Care in their support with providing care and enrichment in Stephen's life. 'My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you' Proverbs 3:1& 2 Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Avenue, Middleton from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 3, 2012, and also on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD CATHOLIC PARISH AT THE ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, 1905 W. Beltline Highway, Madison, at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 4, 2012.