Steven E. Unverzagt

Steven E. Unverzagt, 60, of Springfield, died at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Memorial Medical Center. Steve was born July 29, 1950 in Litchfield, the son of Edgar and Millie Zarr Unverzagt. He married Jodi M. Haase on October 7, 2006. Steve lived his life in a way that made those around him feel anything was possible. Quick with a smile, direct with his words and open with his heart. Seldom did anyone have to wonder what was on his mind. He inspired us, nudged us, and pushed us beyond who and what we thought we could be. He looked out for us and he taught us by example - that nothing is more important than the people in our lives. Steve graduated from Gillespie High School and attended Lincoln Land Community College. He proudly served his country in the First Air Cavalry of the U.S. Army during Vietnam. While in the Army, he earned the Air Medal and Bronze Star, along with receiving two Purple Hearts. He owned Springfield Steel Builders in the late 70's and later became a Real Estate Broker, working in the community for over 30 years, most recently with the Real Estate Firm. Steve was vice president of the Springfield Milers, a member of the American Motorcyclists Assoc., NRA, and was also very active with the Capital Area Assoc. of Realtors and their projects, as well as the IL and National Board of Realtors. He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar Unverzagt and his step-father, Russel Wolfe. Steve is survived by his wife, Jodi of Springfield; daughter, Lt. Tamara (husband, Dr. Christopher D.C.) Leone, RN, BSN of Springfield; son, Dr. Stephen (wife, Nicole) Unverzagt D.C. of Springfield; mother, Millie Wolfe of Gillespie; six grandchildren, Summer, Autumn, Spring, Winter, Ava, and Jack; brother, Joe Petrak of Gillespie; three sisters, Pat (husband, Andy) Bray of Gillespie, Mary Quinn of Springfield and Mary Jane (husband, Steve) Brookshire of Nokomis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following visitation. A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the U.S. Army and InterVeterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. Memorial contributions may be made to Central IL Food Bank, 2000 E. Moffat Ave., Springfield, IL 62702. Please visit Steve's online life story at www.butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.