Stephen Stamler

Stephen Stamler obituary, Buffalo Grove, IL

Stephen Stamler

Stephen Stamler Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Goldman Funeral Group - Buffalo Grove Chapel on Dec. 31, 2025.
Stephen 'Steve' Stamler was a hands-on family man, with the biggest heart and the best sense of humor. Stephen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio where he was a competitive swimmer, and marching band member who graduated from Wyoming High School in 1979. He went on to be a SPEA major at Indiana University where he met the love of his life, Ellen. After graduation, Ellen and Steve lived together in Florida before moving to Illinois in 1985. This past October they celebrated 41 years of marriage, surrounded by the love of their children Lauren (Scott) Plotnick and Allison "Ally" (fiancé Zach Jacobs) Stamler.

Steve was extremely organized, had a keen sense of direction, and loved music. He was a talented trumpet player and a dedicated member of the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. Steve never met a dog he didn't love; he was a dedicated dog dad to Bailey (Z" L) and his beloved grand-dogs, Henry and Benny who brought him immense joy and comfort.

Steve was an avid sports fan, never missing a Cubs game or an IU basketball game. He was able to experience the Indiana University Hoosiers winning the 2025 Big 10 Football Championship and first ever Heisman Trophy.

Steve's family was always his reason "why" and he will be missed beyond measure. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin (Z" L) and Isabelle (Z" L) Stamler and is survived by his Wife Ellen (Wagner), his daughters Lauren (Scott Plotnick) and Allison (Fiancé, Zach Jacobs), and his brother Eric 'Rick' Stamler (Betsy Rabkin). He is also survived by his loving mother-in-law Merle Evans, and siblings Linda Wagner, Debbie (Scott) Rudin, Scott (Shannon) Evans. Loving uncle of Eric and Matthew, Sam and Ben, Kenny (Z" L) and David, Robert and Payton.

Service Friday, 12 Noon CT, at The Chapel, 195 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove (1 Block N. of Lake Cook Rd.) Steve's service will be livestreamed at www.goldmanfuneralgroup.com. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated to Helping Hands Network, www.helpinghandstoday.org. Info: The Goldman Funeral Group (847) 478-1600.

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January 10, 2026

Karen Harlan posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2026

Julie Kalata posted to the memorial.

January 6, 2026

Michael and Cathy Moss posted to the memorial.

20 Entries

Karen Harlan

January 10, 2026

Dear Ellen, Lauren & Ally,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Steve. Please accept our sincere condolences and may his memory be a blessing.
Karen & Mike Harlan

Julie Kalata

January 8, 2026

Ellen, Lauren, and Ally
I´m so sorry to learn of Steve´s passing. I will always be grateful for the times we spent with your family. You are part of our favorite family memories, s´mores , Halloween, First Day of School pictures, and just hanging out.
Sending love and hugs, Julie, Kendal, Derek, and Jared Kalata

Michael and Cathy Moss

January 6, 2026

So very sorry for your loss Ellen. Sending you and your family our heartfelt condolences from Sydney.

Arlene Handler

January 6, 2026

Dear Ellen: So sorry for your loss Hope all is well. Arlene Handler

Len Keilin

January 4, 2026

I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Ellen, my heart goes out to you and the kids.

May his memory ever be for a blessing.

Terrie Bonestroo

January 4, 2026

Sorry for your loss, happy memories of him making the kids cinnamon rolls before school. They still remember the fun!
Love to all of you.

Grant Selig

January 4, 2026

Grant Selig
Posted Jan 02, 2026 at 12:12pm
I´m very saddened by the loss of Stephen.. we go back as far as High School together and IU... and was just remembering this past month about watching Miami Vice .. back in the day... when both in Florida! ... I´m reminded .. how important it is to try to keep in touch w life long friends .. as there comes a time like this .. that we can´t go backwards...I´m sorry... my deepest condolences to your family and friends during this time ....im sorry I couldn´t be there ...

David Levsky

January 4, 2026

My condolences to you and your family and may his name be for a blessing.

Joni Rothblum

January 4, 2026

My deepest condolences to the Stamler family. I am so saddened and sorry for your loss-Joni Rothblum

Caryn Shulman

January 4, 2026

Dear Ellen, Ally and Lauren,

We are so sorry to hear about Steve.
He was always so kind to our family, and gave great hugs.
Sending big hugs to all of you. Will hold him in our hearts always.

Much love,
Caryn and Sam Shulman

Lori israel

January 4, 2026

I´m so sorry for your loss. Can´t imagine what you´re going through.Xoxo

Wendy Malin

January 4, 2026

Ellen, my heart goes out to you and the girls. Steve was a warm, friendly, loving guy and I know he will be missed by all of you.

Martha Consuegra

January 4, 2026

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort for you and your girls

Heidi Sam

January 4, 2026

Sending all my love from a far. I'm at a loss for words. In time may the memories warm our hearts.

[email protected]

January 4, 2026

The Stamlers were our great neighbors in Buffalo Grove ! Steve was so eager to help our family when needed! We will never forget him, and all the goodness we shared!

Elisa Zusman

January 3, 2026

Ellen, Lauren, Ally and the whole family - we are so deeply saddened by Stephen´s passing. He was one of the kindest, funniest "family" members to us and we all loved him and will miss him immensely. Sending you all our love and compassion. He was the ultimate fighter.

Leland Leong

January 1, 2026

Oh Ellen, it is with great sadness to hear that my buddy passed away, I don´t know what to say. He was a trusted confidant and co-worker and shared each other´s stories and experiences, just genuine friendship. I do know he is no longer in pain and in a a way better place. Our deepest condolences to your family and hope that any of this, will bring some comfort to you and the girls, who must be devastated, he was so proud of them. Thank you for looking up my number

Steven Hara

January 1, 2026

We feel deep sadness , and send our heartfelt condolences to Ellen and her family.
We will always remember Steve`s kindness and warmth and his great sense of humor .
With love and respect,
Debbie & Steve Hara

Debbie and Arnie Gross

December 31, 2025

Dear Ellen, Lauren, Scott, Ally and Zach - Steve was one in a million. The twinkle in his eye when he discussed his kids, the affection for everyone he met...his absolute love for Ellen...what a man. Heaven just got a lot brighter. His smile and laughter will be missed. Sending condolences from the Gross family.

Lauren Jolcover

December 31, 2025

I remember when we lived in BG and on my walk/run he always stopped me if I had GIDGET our faux JACK RUSSELL!
Always so friendly!!!
Be at peace..... Many prayers to your dear family and friends....
Lauren Jolcover

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Goldman Funeral Group - Buffalo Grove Chapel

195 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

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Sign Stephen Stamler's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 10, 2026

Karen Harlan posted to the memorial.

January 8, 2026

Julie Kalata posted to the memorial.

January 6, 2026

Michael and Cathy Moss posted to the memorial.