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STEVEN BIELAGA Obituary

Steven C. Bielaga, 53, a resident of Naperville, IL for 20 years, passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2011. He was born August 6, 1957 in Chicago, IL. Steve leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 28 years, Julie, nee Mudra; his children, Matthew and Emily; his mother, Elaine Bielaga; his sister, Patricia (Carl) Underwood; his aunt, Mary (the late Edward) Bielaga; his cousin, Barb (Stephen) Bielaga-Jones; his parents-in-law, Richard and Annette Mudra; his sister-in-law, Lorri (the late Richard) Downs and brother-in-law, Robert (Gail) Mudra; his nieces and nephews, Tim, Jenna, Sarah, Rachel, Garrett and Brendan; as well as a host of great friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Greg Bielaga. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Steve's life, memorials to the St Thomas the Apostle Care Pantry or the Boy Scouts of America would be greatly appreciated. Visitation Monday, May 23, 3 to 9 p.m. at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S Mill St., Naperville. Prayers Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home and proceed to the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Interment Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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Brian Gilner

May 25, 2011

I am extremely saddened to learn of Steve's untimely passing. Having worked with Steve off an on over the last 10 years, I found him to be very congenial, hard working and always trying to find the best solution to the problem at hand. We here at Modine have many fond memories of our relationship with Steve, and feel honored to have had the pleasure of working with him. My condolences to his family, and may our Lord comfort you during this time.

Paul Johnson

May 24, 2011

Dear Julie, Matt and Emily,
The one regret that I have about leaving State Farm is that I lost touch with the truly great people I knew, and Steve was one of the best. Even though it has been ten years I can still remember the last time that I saw him at IH. Steve was one of those people that you could feel smiling even through a telephone line. I am sorry I only just found out today. Please accept my condolences and prayers for you.

Ken Caffarella

May 24, 2011

Steve was a great mentor and always quick with a joke. He will be missed.

Mike Weger & Family

May 23, 2011

Steve was a very special person, a great friend, the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back, and then ask you what else you needed… It makes perfect sense that Steve was a “Greeter” at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville. His wide smile and animated enthusiasm was his trademark greeting for everyone he encountered. Of course, that would include folks visiting his Church! We extend our deepest sympathy to Julie, Emily & Matthew on their great loss. It is our hope that the memory of Steve’s smile, his happy demeanor and his true goodness as a kind human being will bring you the strength that you need in the difficult days ahead.

Alan Haag

May 23, 2011

Like everyone else at the Melrose Park Engine Plant I was shocked to hear the news about Steve. I am not exactly sure when I started working with Steve, it was at least 20 years ago! Steve always took the time to update me about the family. He was very proud of his children and loved to tell me about their status. I will miss the way Steve always had time to spend a few minutes at lunch with me. Steve was a great friend, exceptionally talented engineer, and wonderful person. I will miss him!

Mary Clarke

May 23, 2011

I am so saddened to hear that Steven passed away .He was a wonder neighbour in Chgo He was so nice @ allways had a smile .My condolences to Julie @family @ to Elaine @ Pattie.

Barbara Sullivan

May 23, 2011

Julie, Matt and Emily, we are so sad to hear about the loss of your husband and father -- a truly wonderful man. We will remember his great smile, his kind words and how he was always so involved and so helpful. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. -- the Sullivan Family

Linda & Jim Goss

May 23, 2011

Julie, Matt & Emily,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of such a great husband, father and friend to so many. May the memories you've built throughout the years bring you comfort. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Rich & Debbie Mier

May 22, 2011

Julie, Emily & Matt,
It is my extreme pleasure to 'work' alongside Steve on our Sunday Host Greeting assigments. I always found him to be very plesant and helpful, as well as being the consumate Christian gentleman. I always looked forward to seeing him at mass and his handshake and hospitality. He will be missed, but I know that his legacy will live on.

Alan Gill

May 22, 2011

I am saddened and shocked by Steve's passing. He was one of the kindest and brightest persons I ever met. I have no doubt this acknowledgement will be found true of all who knew him - not many people have universally had that kind of impact during their life's.

Dean Bergquist

May 22, 2011

Our heartfelt condolences to the Bielaga family at this difficult time. Steve was such a great help to all of us running the Brookdale Scouting program, always lending a cheerful hand to us whenever we needed it. A true gentleman always.

The Bergquist Family

Dan Boomershine

May 22, 2011

I was saddened to learn of Steve's passing. He will be truly missed by all. Having worked with Steve for over 30 years I considered him to be a valued colleague. He was honest, fair, and cared about others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dan Boomershine

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