Stephen John's Obituary
Stephen F. John, 76, died at home on January 5, 2024 after a brief , devastating battle with cancer.
Steve was born December 7, 1947 in Washington D.C., the fifth and youngest child of James E. and Helen McAlear John. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers James L. and George Vincent, sisters Sr. Helen James John, SSND (School Sisters of Notre Dame) and Roberta Gosier, and grandchildren Josephine and Alexander Richard.
Steve moved to Falls Church, Virginia around the age of 7 with his parents. He enjoyed school days through high school there and then headed west to attend University of Notre Dame in 1965. His first view of campus was on the day he moved into his dormitory.
Steve had taken up guitar and singing in high school and grew to love playing for campus liturgies and myriad occasions during folk music’s heyday. He played and listened to music until the end.
Following graduation from Notre Dame in 1969, the Vietnam War was raging and he began a long and serious inquiry into his beliefs and the implications of his connection to the Gospels. Steve completed application to the draft board in Fairfax County, Virginia, and was approved to be designated a Conscientious Objector. He completed alternative service working with boys at St. Francis Vocational School, Cornwells Heights, Pennsylvania.
On June 26, 1971, Steve was married to Mary Clune Shiel at St. Patrick Church, Decatur, Illinois. Steve and Cluney’s first child, Matt, was born in Pennsylvania. Moving back to Decatur in 1973, daughter, Emily was born, followed by another son, Danny, in 1978.
Steve began building a unique career as environmental law and awareness developed in the 1970’s. He pursued graduate education at Sangamon State University, igniting a passion for protecting water, land and air throughout our shared universe.
Steve worked for Blank, Wesselink & Associates, Architectural and Engineering Services, and Randolph & Associates before forming a partnership with Doug Kane as Environmental Planning & Economics, Inc. In 2003, Steve formed the Agricultural Watershed Institute (AWI) and pursued solutions with farmers, academics and scientists to benefit the fields and streams.
Steve became involved in the community as a trustee for the Decatur Sanitary District in the 1970’s, and he served two terms on the Decatur City Council.
Survivors include his wife, Cluney, his children Matthew of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Emily (Keith) Richard; and Danny (Nikki Haggerty) of Chicago. He also leaves four beloved grandchildren; Ash, Alex, Mario and Xavion.
Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, January 12 at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL. At 4 p.m. a memorial service will begin at the funeral home to celebrate and give thanks for Steve’s life.
Donations in Steve’s memory can be made to:
Community Environmental Council - Friends of Lincoln Trail Homestead
https://www.maconcountygives.org/member-organizations/lincoln-trail
Green Lands Blue Waters - https://greenlandsbluewaters.org/
Email: [email protected],
Checks can be made out to University of MN, write ‘GLBW Foundation’ in memo space; mail to:
Melissa Lindholm
1991 Upper Buford Circle
Borlaug Hall, Ste 406
St. Paul, MN 55108-0010
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