PEORIA - Shane Michael Stokowski, 33, of Chicago, formerly of Peoria, passed away at 5:18 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014, at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in Chicago.

Shane was born May 16, 1980, in Peoria to Jeff and Christine (Needham) Stokowski. They survive.

He also is survived by one brother, Patrick of Peoria; one sister, Sheila of Peoria; his grandmother, Virginia Stokowski of Peoria; his fiancee, Erin Harvill of Chicago; and several aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John Stokowski and Joseph and Sheila Needham; his uncle, John Stokowski; and his cousin, Kelly Needham.

Shane received a bachelor's degree in graphic design from Eastern Illinois University. He later worked as an animator/illustrator for EMMI Solutions.

He enjoyed biking, playing guitar, traveling, basketball and dancing. He was the light of our lives and did not know a stranger. He is probably having a dance-off in heaven.

Shane was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church, and he volunteered with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) for many years.

A funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2014, at St. Philomena Catholic Church. Father David Richardson will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27, 2014, at Wright & Salmon Mortuary, with a prayer service at 3:15 p.m. An additional visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Philomena Catholic Church or MDA.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.wrightandsalmon. com.

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

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Mar. 25 to Mar. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Shane Stokowski

81 Entries

Andy

December 21, 2024

Gone but never forgotten old friend. Sleep well, you smile of a human being. I have raised my boy with many of the traits you exemplified in life. He is a great kid. I only wish he could´ve met your kids. Hope your fiends and family have made peace over the years.

Ashley

April 5, 2014

I did not know Shane personally, but I know many of his friends. I am so sorry for your loss. He seems like he was such a wonderful and kind person.

Erin, I know I don't know you, but I have cried for your loss and this story really hits home to me, because I know how it feels to have something wonderful ripped away from you like this. I'm SO sorry you lost your love. My thoughts are with you. xo.

Peggy Korbel Rohrbeck

April 1, 2014

Even though I met Shane only once, no words can express the sorrow we are feeling every day for this loss to your family and everyone he has touched along the way. I cannot fathom how this will effect all of you in the days to come. We truly want the Stokowski family to know that our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time, and know this, we will all see him again one day and embrace him in Heaven. May God give you strength and be with you all.

Bob Corrigan

March 31, 2014

I am so very sorry - I worked with Shane up to 2009, and loved being part of his world.

Jim and Kate

March 29, 2014

Erin, we are so sorry for the loss of your fiance.

Mark Vosberg

March 29, 2014

Dear Jeff & Chris,

I remember sitting with you and Shane at Kelly's funeral and seeing the compassion he had for my sister and her family.

When the life of yet another splendid young man is lost, it hits very close to home even though we've lived here for over ten years.

On behalf of my wife Lenn, and children Lea, Daphne, Lucas and Kyle we are truly sorry for your loss.

Antony Gayed

March 29, 2014

Maybe once in a lifetime, you get to meet someone like Shane.
Someone willing to give all he has for love.
While I grieve the loss of a friend, and my deepest condolences are with Erin and the Stokowski family,
I am honored to have known a man like him.
From an early age, children are taught right and wrong from their parents. Shane's life and death are both resounding examples of what it means to be a good man and a testimony to the quality of the Stokowski family. Tonight we grieve the loss of Shane, but in the recesses of our souls let us rejoice in the comfort of knowing that he is in paradise.

March 28, 2014

chris and jeff sooo sorry about this he looks like the needhams love and prayers Sheila Kenny eccles

Anonymous Mom

March 28, 2014

I did not know your son. My daughter told me the story yesterday and my heart breaks for all of you. Shane died doing what was right. I hope that gives your family some comfort. I'm sure he was a wonderful young man. Deepest condolences.

March 28, 2014

I did not know this young hero. I wish I had, as both my sons spoke highly of him. I cannot believe how much this affected me; I have thought of him and his family and friends everyday since I heard about it. What a brave and unselfish man! I wept when I read his fiancee's family's words. God blesses us with people like Shane, and perhaps people will be inspired and gifted to be more like this man. Melinda Hamel

Terry Dixon

March 28, 2014

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Stokowski family during this difficult time.

Marty Joseph

March 28, 2014

Jeff and Chris,

Please accept my condolences on the tragic loss of your son, Shane. You, your family and Shane's fiancee have been in my thoughts and prayers.

ali calabro

March 28, 2014

stokowski family, friends, and erin...
my most sincere condolences from every corner of my heart. shane was one in a million when it came to humor, compassion, talent, and life in and of itself. his loss is such a tragedy but i feel blessed to know a hero. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Kim Goodner

March 27, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Shane's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Shane in college. He was always full of life, laughing and caring. I can remember listening to him playing his guitar in the staircase in our dorms. He will be greatly missed.

Geyer Morford

March 27, 2014

Extending heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dan Doyle

March 27, 2014

I met Shane about seven years ago through a basketball league in Chicago. He quickly becomes one of the regulars of the basketball group it didn't take long for everyone bond with Shane. I got to know Shane through the years... he was kind hearted, easy going and always respectful of others. Overall he was joy to be around and I always admired his free spirit and positive outlook toward life. My condolences go out to his family, fiancé and friends. Shane will be missed…

Molly & Jesse Hofmann

March 27, 2014

Heartfelt sympathies to all of Shane's family. Shane was an amazing person - always upbeat and friendly. It sure seems as though he left his mark on many. You are all in our prayers.

Beth Ross Casey and claire Hambourger

March 27, 2014

We are all going to miss but always remember , your wonderful songs under the starry sky. To your family, our thoughts are with you.

Dan Doyle

March 27, 2014

Jim & Allison Maurer

March 27, 2014

Shane was a light, always burning bright and strong. Everyone who met him could see it and was drawn to his energy. We feel lucky to have known him. He was a gem and a true gentleman. All our love and thoughts to his family and friends. xoxo

March 27, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss, our hearts break for you. I am sure you are so proud of the man Shane became. What an amazing guy, anyone that just speaks with him for a minute can see and feel that.

Erin, I am so sorry. Shane told me about you in CA in November, he told me that he found you and I could see how happy he was and how much he loved you.

We are so sorry.

Love, Tyler and Liam O'Neill

Tom & Karine Vosberg

March 27, 2014

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shane. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your families during this difficult time.

R. Howard Courtney

March 27, 2014

I first found out what had happened on the news here in Chicago, the evening it happened and was shocked to find that the person was Shane. He and his late uncle John had been to my house several times in the last few years. The last time I spoke with Shane was at John's funeral. We had agreed to get in touch with each other once we had returned to Chicago, but all the email addresses I had no longer worked and we were not able to make contact.

I would certainly be there for his funeral if I didn't have another commitment.

My sincere sympathies to his family and friends.

Henry

March 26, 2014

Shane, you will be missed tremendously. You always handled yourself with class and dignity. My deepest condolences to your loved ones.

Pat Hayes

March 26, 2014

The hour as all things unfold as they were
Came too early for a great man
Oh, he struck the iron to make it hot
A perfect bulbus nose, a fine dancer
Art and healing are from the heart
A man who painted and knew compassion
He will be missed

My thoughts are with the Stokowski family.

Jim & Pam Wright

March 26, 2014

Words can't express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your beloved Shane. He was truly a gift to many, as these tributes attest. We love you and will be praying for you.

John Erickson

March 26, 2014

Prayers for Shane and his family. Thank you Shane for being one of very few that would have thought of the safety of others over your own. You were among those that make a difference.

Amy Vonachen Poparad

March 26, 2014

Jeff & Chris,
What to say, you guys did a marvelous job as parents and the tributes to you on his behalf are being written. We are never promised a lifetime with anybody. Shane sounds like the nicest young man anybody could dream of. He reflects what I remember of you Jeff in high school. I am so sorry for your loss. May your faith, family and friends hold you tight as you work through this unthinkable time.

Elle Hayes

March 26, 2014

Sending endless prayers and thoughts to my best friend Cecilia Needham's family. I can't express how sorry I am, Shane seemed like such an amazing individual.

Mike Wiesenhahn

March 26, 2014

To all his family and loved ones, I am truly saddened and my heart is with you all. I played basketball with Shane in Chicago, he was quite a pleasure to be around. It was not a pleasure to have him guard me, but I learned to appreciate his intensity and developing skills. He was such a great sport. I am happy that I got to know him. I will miss him greatly.

Dianne Ragland

March 26, 2014

My sincerest sympathies go out to all of Shane's loved ones.

Shane had an innate ability to relate to people. Anyone. No matter what. He had an uncanny knack for sensing the emotions of those around him before anyone else - always there with a high-five on one's best days, and a bear hug on the worst. He asked questions not to pass the time, but because he was genuinely interested and invested in those around him.

Humble. Kind. Happy. Talented. I could go on forever with a list of positive adjectives to describe the incredible human the world just lost. I'm better for having known him.

Earl and Kathy Harvill

March 26, 2014

To the Man that was to be our Son-In Law and the Hero he was to us all.
We only knew you for a short time but from the first time we met you, we knew you were the right one for our Daughter. She will miss you but will never forget you. I also know you will be there to help us heal her broken heart along the way.

Rest in peace my Son and rest assured we will take care of Erin for you.

God Bless You and Your Family.

Dan and Susan Langan

March 26, 2014

We are sorry to hear the loss of Shane. I can't imagine losing a child. Are prayers and thoughts go out to your family. Jeff reading the guest book you and Chris raised one great kid. Peace be with all of you.

Lucy Melchert

March 26, 2014

What a great young man. I am so very, very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of his loved ones.

March 26, 2014

Dear Chris & Jeff,
Words may not express how sorry we were to see the passing of your Boy.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With our Deepest Sympathy.
Warmest Regards Eric & Mitch Grimm

Mike Irish

March 26, 2014

Jeff, Christine, Pat and Shelia I am so very sorry for your loss, but you also must be so proud of what Shane was trying to do! You raised a extraordinary young man!

Our prayers are with you.

David Duffin

March 26, 2014

Shane was one of the nicest guys i have ever Met. As a Security officer you meet alot of People, But he was one of a kind always had a Good Morning and Have a Gnice Day for me, you will be missed. GOD needed a True Angel in Heaven and now he has one. Condolences to the family.

Sandy Sank-Kallister

March 25, 2014

Chris and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always cherish the memories of three little boys (Shane, Tim, and John) playing practical jokes, crazy hair dos and just enjoying all the fun things in life. It will take some time for so many hearts to heal. All who knew Shane were truly blessed.

Tony Unruh

March 25, 2014

Stokowski Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you during this period of mourning. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Shane at Emmi Solutions. As a new employee he mad me feel comfortable and welcoming, just as he did with all others that crossed his path. Shane brought joy to every individual I saw him interact with, and no one will ever forget his presence in their lives. May he rest in peace.

Jim Chesko

March 25, 2014

Jeff, my deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of Shane. May he rest in peace. And may the memories of Shane live forever with you and your wife..

Edward Schlicksup

March 25, 2014

This is an unbelievable loss. I was fortunate to know him in high school and in Chicago after college. We'd get together every now and then, and he did the much lauded cover art for my band's albums. A true talent, and a genuinely good guy. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and fiancee.

Pat Murphy

March 25, 2014

Good for you for trying to do the right thing! Condolences to the family.

Tina Morgan-Mallow

March 25, 2014

I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss-I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Sarah (Crusen) Pepino

March 25, 2014

My heart hurts for all of Shane's family and friends. I have great memories of Shane, we were close in age and enjoyed the fact that we were cousins:) What a talented, caring man that did a lot of living in his time here. You are all in my prayers. Rest in peace, Shane.

Patricia Crespo

March 25, 2014

Please accept our most sincere condolences. Shane was our tenant, but more that that he was a friend to our family. God bless his fiancee and family.

David Lengar

March 25, 2014

Shane, you will truly be missed. Someone I can call a friend outside of work. Appreciate the good times, I know you're smiling down on us in heaven.

Jeff Yoches

March 25, 2014

I'm so incredibly saddened to hear of your loss. Shane was a good friend and an amazing person. He brought life and light everywhere he went and I will always remember him. My sincere condolences.

Andy James

March 25, 2014

Shane, buddy, you always see the good in people and circumstances. I wish you were still here to show us all the good that is left without you around. Travel well, good sir.
Your old EIU roomie, Andy

Laura Schwartz

March 25, 2014

Shane was my first friend at Emmi - we bonded over a mutual love of music and mountains, and I admired him for the joy infused in everything he did. He truly lived for and loved each moment, and it has stuck with me as the ideal way to go through life.

My thoughts and best wishes are with Shane's family and friends in this time - we will all cherish his memory.

Cindy and Tony Erangey

March 25, 2014

A truly wonderful young man, who brought joy to everyone he met. His loss is Heavens gain. Peace be with all of you.

Kathy Crusen-Strohl

March 25, 2014

Jeff & Chris, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. You can be proud of the man he became. I best remember him as a young man and he was the sweetest, most polite child. May God guide you and wrap his arms around you all for comfort.

Sara Tiner

March 25, 2014

I worked with Shane at Emmi and he was such a gentle, nice person. The world was a better place with him in it. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

March 25, 2014

So sorry to hear of the loss of your son Shane. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.-Theresa O'Donnell Covey

Austin White

March 25, 2014

I had the pleasure to get to know Shane through work. The first time I noticed him in the office he was playing guitar in the middle of the day, providing everyone with the welcomed soundtrack we all associate him with. We bonded over our love for our neighborhoods, a shared appreciation for music and from time to time he would even get us to play with him.

That's one of Shane's strongest gifts - bringing the song out of people. He brought light to the room and made all of us rise to the occasion by setting a good example. It's so rare that those gifts come so naturally and effortlessly to someone. We're all lucky to have known the light and music Shane brought with him wherever he went and will remember him fondly.

Lauren Friedman

March 25, 2014

I am truly devastated to hear of Shane's untimely passing. He was such a sweet soul and it is so upsetting to know he will no longer be here,sharing his friendly grin with the world. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones; please try to find some peace at this time.

March 25, 2014

Jeff & Chris: you were so blessed to have Shane. I am grief stricken. Always enjoyed being with him when he was in town for the past 27 years. Mary Anne Arnett

Kelly Hawthorne

March 25, 2014

Shane was so brave, talented and utterly genuine. He knew the right words to say or just the right thing to do (which was usually a big ol' hug) whenever you needed it. He was an intent listener, and had a way of making you feel special and valued--while wanting absolutely nothing in return.

Please know that the Emmi family has lost a dear member and we will forever be changed. We also extend our enormous gratitude and support to all of Shane's family and loved ones. May the glowing thoughts and fond memories of Shane comfort us all during this time.

David Pekarek Krohn

March 25, 2014

I am heartbroken to hear the news. Shane was an incredibly warm and friendly person. I am glad to have known him.

Sarah (Bohlander) Born

March 25, 2014

Shane was such a joy to be around. I have many fun memories of MDA camp and watching him perform with Joe. He never failed to light up the room and make everyone smile. His legacy will be the joy he brought to lives of all who met him.

Praying for all of his family, friends, and his fiancee'...

Annette Lowe

March 25, 2014

So sorry to both families. Shane was such an honest and wonderful person. He had a way of making you feel special. I am greatful for having known Shane through my husband. He was such a good friend to Dave and such an inspiration and supporter. Reading all the previous stories about Shane have made me smile because it's so great to know that he has touched so many lives in the same way. May we all be more like Shane. I hope we meet again and until then we will miss you!

Steve Peterson

March 25, 2014

Shane was the best of us. He was a big brother to me. Not a day will go by where I will not honor his memory.

Mike & Maureen Kipfer

March 25, 2014

Jeff and Chris,
Our hearts are breaking for you and your family.May God hold you all in the palm of His hand today and always.Know that you are forever in our thoughts and prayers.

Jacqueline Maxwell

March 25, 2014

To the Stokowski Family, Please accept my prayers and condolences at this very sad time. I only met Shane last November at Joe and Chrissy's wedding ... and yes he was a friend to everyone he met! His life was a tribute to his family and his God.
I am sure today he is in the arms of his loving Savior because his purpose and life efforts were well done on this earth. My prayers are for you, his family, and his fiancee... The memories of his great life will always live on until you all meet again. May God be with you.

Jen (Fuller) Pratt

March 25, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. I went to grade school/high school with Shane and he was such wonderful person.

Ron and Lorraine Stotts

March 25, 2014

Our prayers and deep sympathy to you Chris and your husband and family. We were saddened to read of your son's death and pray that Jesus Christ will strengthen you at this time and give you His peace. "He is our peace." Eph 2:14

deb doetzer

March 25, 2014

i had the joy of working with shane at emmi. he always had a smile and hug for me and was a vibrant spirit and a man who always seemed to have a smile on his face. i am heartsick over your loss. please know that he lit up a lot of other's lives in his short time on earth and will be dearly missed.

Peter Hamel

March 25, 2014

Shane was about as genuine and friendly a person as you will meet these days. My thoughts are with his family, fiancée, and close friends.

Jeanna Knowles

March 25, 2014

Jeff & Chris
We are so sorry to hear about Shane. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Jeanna & Dick Knowles

Ryan Prouty

March 25, 2014

We shared some really good times together from jamming in basements to riding bikes through the city to eating at some of the grossest restaurant in Chicago. You only meet people like Shane once in a lifetime. You will be missed brother...

Cecila Haas

March 24, 2014

I did not know your son and brother and fiancé but have read about his death in the Chicago papers. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a loved and talented young man. God bless you.

March 24, 2014

Chris and Jeff,
We are so sorry for the loss of your son.He was such a fun,colorful and talented young man that will be missed by all. No words can express how tragically this loss must be for all of your family. You are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Dori and Jack Garrison

Kevin Stoll

March 24, 2014

Shane, I never had an opportunity to meet you, but I have heard great things about you, as well as a few funny stories, especially the one about the MDA camp shirts, from our shared MDA family. You will certainly be missed and never forgotten by many.

Dawn Burns

March 24, 2014

I have so many fun memories of Shane from camp and time together with our camp family outside of camp. These memories are full of laughter and knowing what a great and talented guy he was. We all feel so lucky to have had him in our lives and we are here for your whole family in this difficult time!

Candy Horath

March 24, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you. MDA campers and counselors have lost a great friend.

Amber Lannert

March 24, 2014

On behalf of MDA Central Illinois and Chicago we want to extend our deepest sympathies to Shane's entire family. In his short life he truly made a lasting impact on so many people in our community of campers and volunteers. I continue to hear from campers and volunteers about how much they loved him and how much he will be missed. During this time of such incredible sorrow I hope that it gives you a little comfort that he lived life in such a way that there is an entire community of people that looked up to him because of his humor, contagious attitude and great passion for helping others. Thank you for sharing him with us. We will all be praying for your family.

Natalie & Joe Covello

March 24, 2014

We consider ourselves fortunate having met Shane and having him as our neighbor. He was such a genuinely kind person. He always spoke of his siblings fondly and of his fiancee with great admiration. The world is left in a greater place having had him.
Our thoughts are with you.

Amber Lannert

March 24, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .
I remember Shane as a happy and artistically talented
Fifth grader. I treasurer the picture he drew of the 'First
Thanksgiving'.
Donna O'Brien

Judi Stokowski

March 24, 2014

It is difficult to even begin to imagine what your family is going through and how painful all this must be for all of you. My heart goes out to your family and Erin's family during this tragic loss of Shane. You are all in my prayers.

Barbara Rafool Patterson

March 24, 2014

Jeff, I'm so sorry about Shane. All I can say is God help you and your family at this time. I'm at a loss what to say. RIP, Shane. You brought a lot of joy to your families life and they will carry that with them always. Prayers to all of you.

Tom and Kathy Kircher

March 24, 2014

Our hearts are broken for all of Shane's loved ones. I remember meeting Shane when he was seven years-old on my first visit to Peoria with Tom. What a delightful little boy he was, so full of energy and a big smile. Hopefully you are able to find peace knowing he is in the arms of our Lord and with loved ones. In friendship and with love,

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