Stephen Lee Shadwell (74) formerly from Stewardson

Stephen Lee Shadwell, 74, formerly from Stewardson, went to be with the Lord on January 13, 2025.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday January 18, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in Funkhouser Cemetery, rural Effingham. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham assisted the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stewardson American Legion. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Steve was born on April 8, 1950, the son of Carl and Mary Vernette Shadwell. On April 12, 1950 he was baptized at St. Francis Catholic Church in Teutopolis. He received his first Communion on May 4, 1958 and was confirmed by Father Wiegand on April 17, 1960 at Sacred Heart Church in Effingham. Steve attended Sacred Heart School, graduating in 1964. He graduated high school from Stew-Stras in 1968. As a licensed plumber he worked in central Illinois. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Effingham. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards and shooting the bull with everyone. He had a quick wit and clever comebacks. His nephews have learned many questionable stories and sayings from him. He definitely liked to have fun! Steve was not always close to his family. After his wife, Vicki, died of cancer and his cancer came back, he was stuck with his siblings caring for him. He mellowed out this past year and decided he liked us. One day when we were leaving he said, “I don’t know what I would do without you”. He started crying and so did we. Then said, “I love you”. However, his next remark was, “Do you guys eat all the time?” Typical Steve! He grew to understand the importance of family. He was grateful how kind and generous his nieces and nephews were. His great nieces prayed for him at school, painted pictures and wrote him letters. He always had a treat for them when they visited. Mom would be so happy and proud that her children all reconnected.

Steve is survived by his siblings, Sue Zalman, Bruce (Lisa) Shadwell, and Carla Vonderheide; and nieces and nephews, Angie, Mike, Kris, Dakota, Alex, Anthony, and Mary.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vicki; and a brother, George, who died in infancy.