Stephen S. Dlabal, Jr. (1951-2025)
Stephen S. Dlabal, Jr. passed on to eternal life Nov. 11, 2025, in Salina, Kan., at the age of 74. He was born to Stephen S. Dlabal, Sr. and Ida (Vlcek) Dlabal on June 12, 1951.
Steve attended North Black Wolf School and later graduated from Wilson High School in 1969. He then advanced his studies by attending NCKA Vo-Tech in Beloit, Kan. He earned a farm mechanics degree, graduating in 1971. This was right up his alley, as he was always fixing or building something. Growing up on a farm and then making a living as a farmer and cattleman, Steve was always working with his hands and tending the land. He had a deep passion for agriculture and devoted many hours farming.
He also had a passion for family history and heritage. Steve was honored to be able to live on the Dlabal homestead and upkeep the beautiful farmhouse that was built in 1919. The house was home to many generations of Dlabals. A favorite time of year was hosting family reunions on the farm, where memories could be shared and new memories made.
Steve was committed to his community and never met a stranger. He greatly enjoyed visiting with anyone, from neighbors to someone he just met. He served on various boards, including the Noble Township Board, for many years. He was an Ellsworth County Commissioner for seven years and did his best to represent his district.
Steve’s faith was a pillar in his life, and he was an active member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church his entire time on earth. He was also in the Knights of Columbus and held the roles of District Deputy and Grand Knight.
Between farming and church, Steve found time for polka dances, where he met the love of his life, Carmel. They were united in marriage on Oct. 1, 1977, and continued to dance through life, enjoying polka music till Steve’s final hours. To their union were born four children, who he loved deeply. Steve was a dedicated husband and father, always making sure his family was taken care of. He was so proud of his children and supportive in all they ventured to do. He passed on to them his love and knowledge of farming, strong work ethic and dedication to family. Steve also very much enjoyed his title of Papa, as 11 grandchildren found humor in his antics.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Ida Dlabal, sister-in-law Rosemary Dlabal, brother-in-law Jeff Dunn and sister-in-law Crystal Maguire. His legacy will live on in those surviving, including his wife of 48 years, Carmel (May) Dlabal; children Corwin (Jennifer) Dlabal, Darwin (Sarah) Dlabal, Melanie (Tony) Elizondo and Stephanie (Austin) Rathbun; and grandchildren Abigail, Caleb, Chisholm, Quentin and Kyler Dlabal, Kash and Emmy Dlabal and Easton, Calder, Merritt and Jolie Mae Elizondo. Other family surviving includes brother James Dlabal and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson on Sunday, Nov. 16, beginning at 5 p.m., with rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Monday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.
Memorials can be made to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church — Cemetery Fund, and sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.