Stephen John "Steve" Schwark

He was born in Fond Du Lac, WI, on December 21, 1951, the son of Wilbert F. and Cheryl E. (Flanders) Schwark. Steve married Elaine L. Rundle in Dorchester, MA, on October 9, 1987.

Steve studied at University of Wisconsin-Madison and later graduated and earned his doctorate from Harvard. He went on to serve as a professor at UIS where he taught international and political studies until his retirement in 2014. He remained very involved in World Affairs Council after his retirement. Steve volunteered his time at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf, meeting faculty friends for coffee on Wednesday mornings, visiting with Wanda and Xander in St. Charles, and having monthly dinners with Alair and Mason. Steve was also a faithful member of Cherry Hills Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elaine; daughter, Ruthann “Ruthie” Wellhausen; and brother, Daniel Schwark.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Wanda Rundle of St. Charles, IL; grandchildren, Alair and Mason Wellhausen and Alexander Salazar; and brothers, David (Suzanne) Schwark of Alexandria, VA, and Douglas Schwark of Clyde, NC; along with many nieces and nephews and their children.

Memorial Gathering and Ceremony: Family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Cherry Hills Church, 2125 Woodside Rd., Springfield, until the time of the Ceremony at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Jeff Nelson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to UIS Foundation.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Chatham, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham.