Dolores “Dee” Marlene Bednarek (nee Ciesmielewski) was baptized into the Hope of Christ’s Resurrection on October 6, 2023, at the age of 91.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Kasmier and Lottie Ciesmielewski, her husband, Joseph Bednarek Jr, and two of her daughters, Carol Wheeler and Diane Goodman.

She is survived by her children Sandra Pritt (Michael), Barbara Corbin (Larry, late), Janet Schmahl (Matt), Karin Bednarek (Brett Little), Patricia Pace (Kyle, late), Joseph Bednarek III, Melissa Bednarek Walker (Michael), Michelle Moser (Martin), and Tim Bednarek (Julie). She was a much beloved grandmother to Ali, Joe, Sarah, Laura, Jenna, Jeff, Becca, Alicia, Kimberly, Brett, Morgan, Shannon, Kyle II, Emma, Laura Ann, Amanda, Kaye, Martin, Zachary, Maverick, Timothy, Alyssa, Jeremy, Mason, and cherished great grandmother to Alex, Rachel, Kacey, Chloe, Mason, Jaxon, Kazmiera, and Marty.

Dee loved life and was a friend to everyone she met. She had a special spark of sass and wit that was uniquely her. She enjoyed sitting outside where she could spend time with neighbors, friends, and family. She was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved to play Bingo. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. To those who knew and loved her, she will always fondly be the GOAT!

A memorial service will be held at St. Louis Cremation on December 1, 2023, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm located at 2135 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63103.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband on December 2, 2023, at 11:00am at New Lorimier Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

A Celebration of Life gathering following the burial will be held until 2:30pm at St. Philip Neri Hall, in the SEMO Campus Center, located at 512 N. Pacific Street in Cape Girardeau.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in her name to honor her love of children.