Stephen Skip� M. Stefanik

[caption id="attachment_3260" align="alignleft" width="215"] Skip[/caption]Stephen "Skip" M. StefanikOf Arlington Heights 94 years young, Skip was born September 7, 1921, and died peacefully on February 2, 2016, in the home he built in 1954.He was Father to Joseph (Karen), Susan (Robert) Wesolek, Terrence, Sharon (Kevin) Kelly, Mary (Michael) Frieburg, and Frances, Grandfather to Erin, Dan, Frank, Rose, Katie, Steve, Lori, Joe, Phillip, Terry E., Terry J., Heather, Sydney, Brian, Maura, Brad, Chris, and Max, and Great Grandfather to 16." Of his family he was proud, often remarking, "Look what I started!"" He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine "Frankie" (nee Franciskovich), his dear companion Eileen Cooper, and his granddaughter Gail.A child of the Great Depression and a member of the Greatest Generation, Skip valued his faith, his family, and the freedom this country gave to him." A virtual lifelong member of St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, he attended St. James School, from which he graduated 8th Grade in 1935." He was also a 1939 graduate of Arlington High School." During World War II he served in the Pacific Theater in the Army Air Corps, and he later became a lifetime member of VFW Post 981." Following the war, Skip met and married Frankie at St. James, and raised his family in the house he built a stone"s throw from the church." Skip served his parish for decades and was a charter member of the Holy Rosary Council of the Knights of Columbus." He worked with his hands as a carpenter, and was particularly proud that he helped build many of the schools in the area, including his role as the superintendent for the construction of Hersey High School." He was a willing volunteer, often picking up his hammer to help with a carpentry project." Later in life he used his carpentry skills as Santa"s helper so that his grandchildren would have one-of-a-kind gifts under the tree, including meticulously scaled barns and dollhouses." Skip was an avid vegetable gardener and took joy in sharing his typical bumper crop of red ripe tomatoes." He said that sometimes he felt best when he was on his knees in the garden where he could pray and weed at the same time." In retirement, Skip "youthened" and became a world traveler." With his dear companion, Eileen Cooper, he set foot on six of the seven continents.Visitation Monday, February 8, 2016 from 9:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church, 831 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, Illinois." Interment St. Mary Parish Cemetery, Buffalo Grove.Because he was quick to note "you can"t eat flowers," in lieu of flowers remembrances may be made to St. James Catholic Church in Arlington Heights. Funeral information and condolences www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.