Stephen Niebrugge V.

Stephen V. Niebrugge, 69, of Sigel, IL, passed away on Friday, December 24, 2021 at HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Sigel with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Michael School. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Stephen was born at home on April 30, 1952, in Effingham, IL, the son of Paul and Dolores (Willenborg) Niebrugge. He married Susan Flach on May 11, 1974 at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Sigel.
Steve worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for thirty years. He was a member of St. Michael Church in Sigel and Sigel Knights of Columbus #11100. Steve, who was fondly referred to as "Old Man River," enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed woodworking and operating his sawmill. Over the years, Steve handcrafted many wood projects for the church, friends, and family. He was known for his gardening, apples, and pumpkin patch, Niebrugge's Pumpkins & More, that he and his family ran. Steve also taught for Lakeland College for 20 years and coached basketball for St. Michael School. Most importantly, Steve cherished family and was extremely proud of his grandchildren.
Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susie Niebrugge of Sigel; children, Shelly (Matthew) Cremens of Green Creek, Scott (Marcia) Niebrugge, Steve (Stacey) Niebrugge, Sam (Michele) Niebrugge, and Shanna Niebrugge all of Sigel; grandchildren, Lexie, Max, Zoe, Laney (deceased), Kaylee, Zac, Bryce, Brant, Sophia, Tinley, Brianna, Reece, and Kori; dog, Effie; siblings, Tom (Rose) Niebrugge, Fred (Rosie) Niebrugge, Betty (Jon) Earnest, Ben (Gail) Niebrugge, Paula (Herb) Spencer, Margie (Bill) Liechty, Hank (Debbie) Niebrugge, and Kristy (Shawn) Buehnerkemper; sister-in-law, Diane Niebrugge; Susie's siblings, Noreen and Paul Beckman, Dave and Renee Flach, and Lori and Mark Tarter; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dolores Niebrugge; in-laws, Adrian and Alice Flach; brother, Jerry Niebrugge; granddaughter, Laney Niebrugge; and grandson, Cole Niebrugge.