Steven Stojan

STEVEN L. STOJAN, Age 58 of Maple Park, formerly of Hampshire, IL, passed away at his home, May 17, 2008 after a year-long battle with colon cancer. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born August 12, 1949 in Elgin, IL the son of Stanley R. and Jean E. (Westerbeck) Stojan.Steven grew up in Pingree Grove through the age of fifteen, when his family moved to Hampshire, IL.EDUCATIONHe graduated from Hampshire High School with the class of 1967 and went on to attend ECC (Elgin Community College) and Northern Illinois University where he studied art. Although his working career would later be found in the trades, Steven’s "artistic touch" would continue to be the silent signature of his many endeavors. FIRST MARRIAGE & FAMILY -On August 28, 1970, Steven was united in marriage to Kathy Scott. They were blessed with two children, Marcy and Jeffrey and made their home in Hampshire until 1981 when Steve and Kathy went their separate ways. OCCUPATION / LIFE HISTORY Steven worked as a journeyman pipe fitter and a member of Union Local #612 (later becoming #501) but as work became less plentiful, he left the union for a time and worked a variety of jobs. In the process, he began working in maintenance at a large apartment complex on the east side of Batavia. Eventually, through mutual friends, Steven met Judi Schmidt. Over the next fourteen years, their relationship grew and changes in both their lives made them perfect for each other. In 1994, Steven and Judi moved to the country near Maple Park and Steven returned to his career as a pipe fitter. He was proud to be part of constructing a number of well known commercial landmarks in the Chicago and suburban area and even returned to his alma mater, Northern Illinois University, to help build the N.I.U. stadium and engineering buildings. Returning each night to the peace and quiet of the country, Steven would enjoy working in the garden. From flowers to vegetables, Steven’s garden was both beautiful and bountiful and he was always generous in sharing with family and friends. The "hens and chicks" he transplanted for his daughter, Marcy, reminded her of the early years when her dad would take she and Jeffrey to pick wild asparagus from the roadside. One year, he carved their names into the smiles of two huge pumpkins he had grown. It was a moment in time then, but looking back, the huge pumpkins, grown through a long hot summer, were not unlike Steven’s enduring love for his children. Their growing up years may have held many hard times but deep in the garden of Steven’s heart, there grew a great love for Marcy and Jeff. As fatherhood began to bloom into "grandfather-hood", new hopes and dreams were dawning for Steven when cancer struck hard, like an early Spring frost. With courage and hope, Steven, made plans and changes for the future. Just three years earlier, he and Judi had embarked on a new venture that combined their love of antiques. Opening Maple Park Antiques in the old Pingel building in downtown Maple Park, Steve poured himself into the project. The synergy of artist, \\

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Thursday, May 22, from 4-8pmat Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce Street, Elburn. Funeral services will follow Friday, May 23, 2008 at 10:30am at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 135 Terwilliger Steet, Hampshire, IL where a brief period of visitation will precede the service from 9:30am to 10:15am .

MEMORIAL A memorial will be established in Steven’s name to benefit the American Cancer Society, Trinity Lutheran Church and Monarch Hospice as well as other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Steven Stojan Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119.