Karen Ann Steffek, 44, of Hallettsville, passed away May 6, 2014. She was born on September 14, 1969 to Henry Sr. and Ann Kostelnik in Shiner, Texas. Karen grew up with her only sibling Henry Jr. and as told, they had their little spats as kids but have maintained a close relationship into adulthood. Karen started many lifelong friendships at Hallettsville High School. During high school, Karen met the love of her life, Marty Steffek (with the help of Brenda Mitchon). After many hunting and fishing "dates" and maybe on special occasions, a restaurant, they were married on September 26, 1992 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church by Fr. Charles Sonnier.

Marty and Karen bought a piece of property in the Ezzell area. After lots of hard work through hot summer days and cold northers, they made it into a beautiful home to raise a family. On December 28, 1994, their daughter Kelsey Beth was born. Their family was complete on May 16, 1997 when their son, Dillon Craig was born. Karen was involved and dedicated to her children's many activities, including football, baseball, cross country, track and field, FFA and Teen ACTS.

Karen enjoyed the simple things in life from picking dewberries and finding baby deer on the side of the road, canning pickles, making jellies, and cooking and baking for family and friends, just to name a few. She was a person who loved to work on the farm. She wasn't scared to get dirty helping with butchering chickens, guineas, rabbits, squirrels and working cattle. She also put many hours into different projects to make their house a home.

Karen was a devoted employee of Peoples State Bank for over 25 years. Co-workers and customers share many fond memories of her which will be held in their hearts forever. She was also very involved at Sacred Heart Church. She was a Eucharistic Minister, sixth grade CCD teacher and a member of the Parish Finance Council, Christian Mothers and the ACTS Community. Karen was a proud Godmother to five of her eight nieces and nephews and shared her Catholic faith with them.

Karen fought a very courageous battle with cancer and was a fighter until the end but she will be most remembered as a loving and devoted wife for over 22 years and a mother who loved unconditionally. Karen enjoyed being with her family and friends and making people happy. Her gentle nature and genuine smile were evidence that she was a beautiful woman inside and out.

Karen is survived by her parents Henry Sr. and Ann Kostelnik; husband Marty Steffek; children Kelsey and Dillon Steffek: brother Henry Kostelnik Jr. and wife Sandra; parents-in-law Robert and Leona Steffek; brothers-in-law Douglas Steffek and wife Tena, and Steven Steffek and wife Jennifer. She is also survived by nieces and nephews Sarah, Eric and Brent Kostelnik, Crystal, Trevor, Hailey, Nolan and Adam Steffek.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents Joe and Lydia Kostelnik and John and Annie Novak; also her Godmother Patsy Steffek.

Funeral Mass Service: 10:30 am, Friday, May 9, 2014 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Thursday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Thursday, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Officiants: Msgr. John Peters and Rev. Charles Sonnier. Pallbearers: Pat Klekar, David J. Steffek, Glen Steffek, Ray Steffek, Steven Leopold, and Scott Janak. Memorials: Hospice of South Texas, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, or Donor's Choice. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.