David Stephens

DAVID C. STEPHENS, age 55, of Elburn, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 12, 2012. Taken too soon, David’s memory lives on through his family and friends that will miss him forever. BORN: He was born January 28, 1957 in Sycamore, IL, the son of Charles and Lois (Freeman) Stephens.EARLY YEARS:David grew up in Elburn and attended Kaneland High School. After graduating with the class of 1975, David worked locally for a time, including a stint at Harms Chevrolet detailing cars, before beginning a 20 year career at St. Charles Kitchens until they closed their doors. He then found work at Seimens in West Chicago and became supervisor shortly after. MARRIAGE: David’s heart beat for only one woman, and her name was Lesia Schusler. They were united in marriage in October 1981 and welcomed home a son, Matthew, within the year. They began their new life in Elburn on Welter road for a time, but although they remain the best of friends and loving parents, David and Lisa parted ways. David then moved to town where he continued to make his home. LIFE NOTES: David was a soft spoken man who let his actions speak volumes. His work ethic was as strong as his Christian faith and he was proud of both, but especially of the fact he gave his heart to his savior Jesus Christ. Maybe it was his history of cleaning cars at Harms, but you could always count on David’s trucks being spotless and showroom ready. As a young man, like many young men, David was an expert at mischief, much to the consternation of his parents, and to the delight of his brother and partner in crime, Kevin.. His radio was always tuned to his favorite rock bands, but he turned up the volume whenever AC/DC and Black Sabbath came on. He was an avid fisherman, a passion that he passed to his son. When Matt was still a boy, they fished side by side at many local creeks, but as the years went by, the location changed to Tennessee where David looked forward to sitting back, casting a line and letting the day pass him by. If summer was a time to fish, come September, it was time to roar as a true hard core Chicago Bears fan. Every Sunday, whether they watched them together or not, David and Matt called each other to celebrate a victory or drown their sorrows in defeat. Nothing made David happier than when he got spend time with his grandchildren, especially when a wrestling match would break out on the living room floor. It broke his family’s heart to lose him, but if there is anything that is certain in this world, it is that he will never be forgotten.SURVIVORS: He is survived by his son Matthew (Shuntel) Stephens and their children, Jaden and Dylan, of Kiester, MN;Three siblings:Lynn (Kenny) Wilkinson, Karen (John) Wilkinson and Kevin (Teresa) Stephens;Several nieces, nephews and a family of friends;PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lois. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 9-11:30 a.m., with a prayer service to celebrate his life to begin at noon, Sunday, December 16, 2012, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family interment will follow cremation at a later date. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in David’s name to benefit the education of his grandchildren who were the apples of his eyes. Checks may be made to the "David Stephens Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.