Stephen Illich

Stephen Illich - Obituary - January 24, 2025
Stephen Karl Illich passed away and received his eternal welcome on January 24, 2025.
Stephen was born in 1951 in Lake Forest to Jane (Stevens) and George M. Illich, Jr. Growing up, he was constantly being pulled outdoors, either through Boy Scouts, his love of skiing, or spending family time at the family cabin in Wisconsin.
He was baptized as a child and faithfully attended Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest. Stephen was Confirmed in the faith on May 16th, 1965. After graduating from Lake Forest High School, Stephen attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin where he was active in the ROTC and ROTC Competitive Marksmanship Team. After college, he spent time in the Army Reserve while working for various companies in sales and marketing. Stephen received an Honorable Discharge on October 17, 1978.
On May 23, 1981 Stephen married Virginia "Ginny" (McCabe) Illich in Harvard, IL. Stephen and Ginny moved to Crystal Lake, IL where they began attending Immanuel Lutheran Church. The home in Crystal Lake is where many fond memories were made including the birth of both sons, Seth K Illich and Scott K Illich. Stephen and Ginny kept an Illich family tradition of the SKI initials alive through their sons.
Throughout his life, Stephen loved to share his knowledge through stories, life lessons, or skills that he could pass on. He especially loved to ski and shared that love with others. He volunteered with the National Ski Patrol both locally in Illinois and traveling to volunteer at the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, WI. He also spent many years working as a Ski Instructor at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva, WI. In this he passed along his love, specifically skiing, to his sons.
Not all were happy days, Stephen suffered hardships and health issues stemming from cancer. But, even through all of the issues he dealt with, he strived to make people smile. His joy flowed through cheesy jokes and laughter. At the heart of it all, that joy stemmed from the peace that passes all understanding which came from his faith in Jesus.
Stephen has gone on to his eternal home, leaving behind two sons; Seth K Illich, his wife Emily, and Scott K Illich, his wife Sami, grandchildren; Sofia, Sullivan, Zeke, Judah, Zion, Zepphaniah, and Haddie, and two sisters; Helen Towner, her husband Bob, and Jeanne Sposito, with her husband Tony. He was preceded in death by his wife Ginny, sister Elizabeth, and brother James.
Stephen always marched to the beat of his own drum, sang off-key, loved as only he could, and lived the faith that flowed from his heart. Though he leaves us behind, we thank God for the life he lived and the impact he made in our lives. Until we see you again, we love you.
A Memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cedar Park, TX on February 8th at 10:00 am followed by lunch at the church.
Flowers can be sent on behalf of Stephen to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 West Whitestone, Blvd, Cedar Park, TX 78613.