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Stephen SHONKA Obituary
Steve was born in Lincoln, Neb., on April 8, 1976. He was a graduate of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln and was a lifelong "Huskers" fan.
Steve was president and owner of Stephen Shonka Family Retirement Planning and Wealth Management and had recently been recognized by LPL Financial as one of their top financial advisors in the country.
He is survived by his wife, Betsy Shonka; his sons, Jack Stewart Shonka and Parker James Shonka; his parents, Vicki Anne and Duane Hodge, and James and Linda Shonka; siblings, Amanda Hemenway and husband, JJ, Alisa Shonka-Smith and husband, Dan, Charlie Shonka and wife, Nicole, Traci Barnard and husband, Craig, and Marty Hodge and wife, Jodi; his grandmother, Lucille Shonka; his grandparents, Herb and Mildred Honke; and 10 nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his grandfather, Glen Shonka.
Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing on Wednesday, June 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bucktrout of Williamsburg, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Va. A funeral mass will be held at Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, Va., on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's name to Saint Bede Catholic Church; Avalon, P.O. Box 1079, Williamsburg, VA 23187; or the Williamsburg Symphonia, P.O. Box 400, Williamsburg, VA 23187. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen SHONKA
June 29, 2010
Dear Betsy and family,
We were saddened to hear about Stephen. We hope that you, Jack, Parker and family know that our hearts are going out to you. Seeing Stephen and you all at Amanda's wedding was so nice. Our prayers are with you.
Brad and Cindy Brenning - Olathe, Kansas
June 20, 2010
I met Stephen at a financial planning meeting and I used to see him at Church. He was such a nice person and so hard working. What a tragic loss for his family. He and the family are in my prayers. Patricia Moore
Mike Robertson
June 16, 2010
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Steve last year in Dallas. He stood out in my mind because of his warmth and the integrity he projected. Unfortunately that can be a rare commodity in this business.I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and comfort you.
BJ and Susie Schroeder
June 5, 2010
We were very shocked and saddened to hear the horrible news of Steve's untimely death. He was a wonderful person, looked up to by many. He always made us feel comfortable and we enjoyed our visits to his office. We know he will be greatly missed by many family, friends and acquaintances in the community. Our hearts go out to the Shonka family and LPL staff. God Bless!!
BJ and Susie Schroeder Family
Tonya
June 5, 2010
I didn't know him but I was one of the witnesses. I am so sorry for your loss. May God surround you all with the deepest love and comfort that can only come from Him alone. My prayers are with you all always.
Lt. Col. Jay Musser
June 4, 2010
I was mortified to hear of Stephen's tragic death. He was an outstanding young man with ambition and personality that was taking him to the top. My prayers are with his young family and with the office staff that he left behind. May God bless you all.
Mari Matulka
June 2, 2010
Vickie:
I saw the notice in the Omaha World-Herald and something just clicked. It's been 26 years since we lived next door to each other on South 33rd in Lincoln, and Stephen was such a cute little guy.
My prayers are with you.
Keith Honke
June 2, 2010
To the Shonka's, Vicki, Herb, Mildred and rest of the family. Your loss is our loss and we will keep you and Stephen in our prayers.
Candice Mustard-Scott
June 2, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss.
Rick Grubaugh
June 2, 2010
To the Shonka and Honke families,
My prayers and thoughts are with you all as we all mourn the loss of Stephen.
Life is really delicate.. This afternoon I noticed the Telegram had an article on the front page featuring an honored auctioneer and I was excited to read about his past and his accomplishments. I was breezing through the article and of course it was continued on page 2 THEN my heart hit the floor with a thud as I noticed the obituary of Stephen.
I know I am in shock and realize it has to be magnified so much more for all of the family members and close friends that Steve has in Virginia and back here in Nebraska.
My "little husker buddy" of my days at Scotus.. When mom was busy with her principal duties Steve would wander into my room and away we would go challenging each other with Husker trivia and gameplans.
And always with a smile on his face until the word homework got brought up.
And VICKI I wish I were there to give you a big hug because there is nothing I can say or do to express my sympathy for your loss.
I am sure we both remember the times that you would say "Stephen, Stephen, Stephen what am I going to do with you?" when he would make those junior high learning steps a bit more difficult then his mom expected or desired.
But all the time your love for him and vice versa was displayed 24/7.
God, Rest his Soul
Robin Hairston
June 2, 2010
On behalf of Havertys Furniture and myself, may God bless you and give you peace in the days to come.
June 2, 2010
Betsy, I was shocked and saddened over your loss of Stephen. You are in my heart and prayers. God Bless you and your family.
Kevin, from Invisible Fence
R. W. Richie
June 2, 2010
As clients of Steve, I can tell you that my wife and I valued his wisdom on financial matters and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and the LPL staff.
Michelle Adcock
June 2, 2010
Betsy,
My prayers are with you and my sweet little Jack and his brother. May God wrap his loving arms around you and your boys and comfort you at this time. I will continue to pray for you.
Jack, Love from Mrs. Adcock
Jo Fowler
June 2, 2010
I was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, Steve. You and your family are being carried in my heart and lifted up in my prayers. With my deepest sympathy, Betsy.
Lori
June 2, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Lynn Arledge
June 2, 2010
Jennifer I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Steve bring you comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. RIP Steve!!!
June 2, 2010
We are deeply saddened by the untimely loss of Steve. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his associates. We grew very fond of Steve in the past several years and will remember his integrity and warmth and patience with those of us that never could quite grasp everything he was telling us because he was so smart, but we trusted in him to do his best for us which he did. He will be greatly missed, but it is a comfort to know that he is now in God's care.
Sincerely, Janet and Lindsey Midgette
Steve Whitemore
June 2, 2010
Jim and Linda,
I thinking of both of you during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family.
Steve Whitemore, Lincoln, NE
Falls
June 2, 2010
Betsy,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and in the future.
Charles & Peggy Falls
Williamsburg
June 2, 2010
Our prayers are with you and the family in your time of sorrow.
Anne Marie and Al Landreneau
Maria Buchite
June 2, 2010
Betsy I wanted to let you know you and the boys are in our thoughts and prays. We are here for you if you need anything.
The Buchite Family
June 2, 2010
Our hearts and prayers are with you, Stephen. May GOD hold you in the palm of his hand and may you soar like an eagle in his care. We will miss you.
Barb and Mike McKenna
Tanya White
June 1, 2010
Please know my heart is with you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
June 1, 2010
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
The Shorts -Walsingham ( Logan)
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