Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Roseberry's Funeral Home in Friendship, Wisconsin.   Pastor Timothy Wenger will officiate. 

Interment will be at the Niebull Cemetery, Big Flats, Wisconsin. Military rites will be offered at the cemetery by the Veterans Honor Guard of Adams County.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at Roseberry's Funeral Home. 

Stephen was born August 8, 1929 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to Aleck and Rose (Vawal) Bakovka. Rose had immigrated to the US in 1920 from Velke, Bielice, Czechoslovakia at the age of 16.  

Steve married Irene Buck on April 10, 1953, three years after his brother John had married Irene�s sister Lula. Steve and Irene were married for 51 years until the time of her death in 2004.

Steve was a veteran of the Korean Conflict where he served as a radio operator for the 25^th Infantry. He was in the Battle of Incheon, after which he spent five months at Great Lakes Hospital.

Steve started work in 1947 at the Port Edwards paper mill until 1963 when he was hired as a fire fighter in Wisconsin Rapids. He worked as a fire fighter and EMT until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1983.

Steve and Irene built Pineland Campground in 1971 and operated it until 1991. Steve also earned his Sport Fishing Captains license in 1982. Steve and Irene acquired Snug Harbor in Kewaunee, WI in 1985 and operated their sport fishing business with their sons until 1989. Steve�s first boat was named after his mother �Lucky Rose�. Steve was also co-owner of Brooklawn Gardens with his brother-in-law George.                  

Steve was an avid hunter, camper and muskie fisherman. He enjoyed golf and trap shooting. Steve took flight lessons in his early 70�s. Steve had a passion for his Labradors. His friend to the end was his yellow lab �Goldie�.

Steve�s last thoughts were of family, faith and friends. 

Steve was preceded in death by: his parents, Aleck and Rose Bakovka and wife,  Irene Bakovka.

Survivors:

Brother:  Joseph (Charlotte) Bakovka of Big Flats, Wisconsin

Brother:  John (Lula) Bakovka of Big Flats, Wisconsin

Sister:  Irene Rathermel of Friendship, Wisconsin

Son:  Richard (Susan) Bakovka of Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Son:  Douglas (Lois) Bakovka of Port Edwards, Wisconsin

Son:  Dan (Patricia) Bakovka of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Son:  Randy Bakovka of Panama City, FL

Grandchild:  Aron Bakovka of Port Edwards, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Sera Bakovka of Port Edwards, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Leah Bakovka of Madison, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Jon Buck Bakovka of Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Cierra Bakovka of Big Flats, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Samantha Bakovka of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Grandchild:  Nichole Bakovka of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Steve is further survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Roseberry's Funeral Home is assisting the family.  Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.