Adrienne Stepanek, 88, passed away peacefully November 21st at Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston, ND.

Adrienne Heggen was born June 26, 1937 in Rawson ND. She graduated from
Alexander HS in 1955 and married Richard Stepanek in June of 1955. She was a wonderful mother to Jeri and Jon and spent a lifetime caring and making memories for family and friends.

Adrienne worked as Librarian at Williston HS and Williston Public Library. She worked at Riverview Cemetery in Williston where she created mapping and identification of grave sites. Adrienne was instrumental in creating the Garden of the Angels children’s burial site. Adrienne lived her life in pursuit of facts and information. She was fascinated with genealogy and historical research. She was often called on to find the background of people, places, and things. Historical records of the region are more robust today because of her curiosity and drive to find answers. Adrienne and Doreen Chaky recently co-authored a book called "Lynched, Mob Murders on the Northern Great Plains". It details the vigilante justice carried out around the turn of the century. The book was honored by the National Independent Press Association in 2024 as Best in US History.

She was generous with her time, talent and treasure for a variety of causes in the Williston area. She was a board member and volunteered at the James Art Gallery. She enjoyed sharing her heritage with members of the Sons of Norway. She was a Member of First Lutheran Church. She enjoyed the time spent with friends in Homemakers.

Adrienne was proceeded in death by her husband Richard and parents Howard and Julia Heggen. She is survived by her sisters Roberta Sawicki and Wanda Monson, Daughter Jeri Enberg (John), Son Jon Stepanek (Madonna), Grandchildren Albert Puchany (Anna) Rose Gumz (Craig) Paul Stepanek (Kristi) Claire Scott (Ben) and 5 great grandchildren Caleb, Grant, Felix, Lainey and Sonja.

Her love of research is a distant second to the love of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.

In honor of her wishes there will be no memorial service. Those wishing to make a donation in her honor please consider the Williston Community Library (North Dakota History room) or a charity of your choice.

Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston is assisting the family.

Memorial Contribution