Born July 26, 1951 in New Richmond, Wisconsin, the dawn of Mike Stephens’ life was a simple time on the farm, surrounded by the love of a large, spirited Irish-Catholic family. Idyllic summers were spent climbing trees, swimming in the creek, running around with siblings and cousins, and finding the occasional mischief.
In his later childhood, the family moved to Schaumburg, Illinois, where Mike came into his own as a young man with a natural knack for mechanics, a penchant for the outdoors, and an eye for photography. Spending time at both the University of Illinois Champagne/Urbana and Northern Illinois University, he graduated and began a full career at Westmont High School as a dedicated and most patient shop teacher. There was never a mechanism he couldn’t master: He was our very own Mr. Fix-it.
Three children joined him on his journey in the 1980’s bringing him joy, meaning, and a tight-knit crew to accompany him on his many adventures. Summers were spent exploring the entire U.S. in the camper, playing basketball on the driveway, and boating on Silver Lake. Winters were cozy by the fireplace, watching classic movies and playing Jenga on the floor. Quieter moments were spent cuddling in the hammock, gently teasing, or giving sweet tickles. Mike laid a solid foundation for his kids, built on strong family values, security, a sense of adventure, and profound unconditional love. He was and is adored by Dave, Emily, and Jeff.
Mike lived intentionally with a full schedule of fishing trips to remote parts of Canada, breakfast dates, camping in Amana, basketball at the YMCA, and hunting trips. An avid card player, he was a vicious opponent and so very fun to beat. In Hearts, he’d casually toss you the queen with a twinkle in his eye and a playful giggle. He was a real hoot.
As life moved forward, Mike met the love of his life, Patty, and they were married on August 3, 2003, residing in Barrington. Together, they created a modern family with space for everyone. He embraced Patty’s kids as his own, showing them his unconditional love and razzing them the same way as he did his own kids. He will forever be loved by Sarah, Susan, and Tim as a father figure, dutiful role-model, and number one supporter. Mike and Patty loved being grandparents to eight adoring children. The life he and Patty created was simple and beautiful, full of travel, quiet time up north, candlelit dinners for two, bike rides, hikes, and beers on the patio. It was truly "La Vie en Rose."
The sunset of Mike’s time here granted him the perspective to see the good in the world. Ever the optimist, he brought light, humor, and levity to each and every room he stepped foot in. His generous soul cared for others, as his cup was already full. He was love in action, living out his Catholic faith in real time. On August 1, 2025, Mike passed into the light, surrounded by his children and in the arms of his loving wife.
Mike was the loving husband of Patricia Stephens. He was a devoted father to Sarah (Josh) Goode, David Stephens, Susan (Frank) Friedlander, Emily (David) Plunkett, Jeffrey (Paulina) Stephens, and Timothy Krajewski. He was also a proud grandfather to Charles, Francesca, Jackson, Penelope, Henry, Bradley, Olive, and Charlotte. He is survived by his mother, Anita Stephens, and his siblings: Mary (Richard) Kusak, Daniel (Sharon) Stephens, Timothy (Susan) Stephens, Mark (Karen) Stephens; sisters-in-law, Margaret Marmitt (Alvin) Saunders, Barbara Marmitt and Judith Marmitt (Mick) Warren; and brother-in-law, James (Mary) Marmitt.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, John Stephens; his brother, Patrick Stephens; his sister, Ann Stephens; and his mother and father-in-law, Evelyn and James Marmitt.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 5, from 4pm until 8pm at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela St., Barrington. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 9am until the time of mass at 10:30am.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the St. Anne’s Food Pantry would best honor Mike’s memory.