Stephen Samuel

Age 86 of Wilmington, Illinois, died Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the Renwick Nursing and Rehabilitation Home in Joliet, Illinois.

Born June 23, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, Stephen Frederic was the son of Stephen and Julia (Fetter) Samuel. He was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Gage Park High School. Steve served honorably in the United States Army and was an electrician for his entire professional career. He was a proud union electrician and a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wilmington. Steve enjoyed spending his time shooting and was a true patriot, proud of his military service and the service of others. More than anything, nothing was more important to him than the role of husband, father, and grandfather.

Survivors include three children: Joseph (Diana) Samuel of California, Kathryn (John) Reilly of New Lenox, Illinois, and Laura Samuel of Schaumburg, and two grandchildren: Emily and Sean Reilly. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Julia, and his wife, Diane (Gaida) Samuel, whom he married August 1, 1964, and their long-time friends Phil and Joan Wojtonik.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Friends and family are welcome to meet at Baskerville Funeral Home on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. and travel in funeral procession to St. Rose Catholic Church, 604 South Kankakee Street, in Wilmington for funeral services at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Sebastian Gargol presiding, and interment with full military honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Stephen's memory to: Wounded Warriors Project, 230 North Monroe Street, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Stephen’s memorial page online through social media. 

Funeral arrangements and services have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)