Wlodarczyk, Steven J.

MADISON - Steven J. Wlodarczyk, age 46, of Madison, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006, of a ruptured brain aneurysm. He was born on March 19, 1959, in Itasca, Ill., a son of Edward and Eleanor (O'Hara) Wlodarczyk. Steve attended Harper College in Palatine, Ill., from 1978 until 1979, and received a B. A. degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University in 1981. He married Donna Benrus on May 23, 1981, in Mount Prospect, Ill. Steve was a copy editor for the Wisconsin State Journal from 1990 until present. He volunteered as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and loved to fish with his boys. Steve's brother Ed was his best buddy and Strat-o-matic baseball his best game. He loved music, singing, drawing, and his cat, Ira and dog, Marlo. Steve was a devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Donna Wlodarczyk of Madison; two sons, Brandon and Travis Wlodarczyk of Madison; his mother, Eleanor Wlodarczyk of Palatine, Ill.; two sisters, JoAnn Sutula of Schaumburg, Ill., and Janet (Alan) Parker of Olathe, Kan.; a brother, Edward (Patricia) Wlodarczyk Jr. of Surprise, Ariz.; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Edward Wlodarczyk; and mother-in-law, Marie Benrus. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2006, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, a special account has been set up for Donna Wlodarczyk at Madison News Credit Union, 1901 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713. Thank you to the paramedics and to the staff at St. Marys Hospital, Emergency Room for your help and support.

"My father was a great friend. He was always there to guide me on the path to becoming a decent and successful man. I will miss him with every fiber of my being, but will always keep him in my heart, always." "A loving father, committed to his family and a special friend, man's best friend. This love showed the best of my father's character. He could always make me smile, and he always helped when asked to. To my wonderful father, go Yankees, go Jets, go Knicks." "To my kind, kind loving man. You were my pillar of strength. You were the laughter in my soul. You brought joy to everyone who graced your presence. So dignified, such persona. Those who knew you, knew they loved such a real, genuine human being, whose soul will live forever through me and our two children. I love you Steven, forever, together. Love, "D"

Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 www.gundersonfh.com