Steven John Chmiel

Steven J Chmiel, born May 16, 1966, passed suddenly on Nov 1st at his home in Barrington, IL.
He grew up in the family home, in a lively neighborhood in Wheeling, where he spent his time playing with his brothers and friends outside. He was an avid outdoorsman his whole life.
He attended Wheeling High School and was an excellent wrestler during his high school years, as well as during his years at Jack London Junior High School, where he and his older brother wrestled on the team together. He was active in St Hillary's Episcopal Church including the youth group, where he formed lifelong relationships.
Steve later completed training at the Chicago Police Academy, and served as a police officer in Wheeling.
Steve began working at a young age and held a variety of other positions centered on serving others, including Service Manager at Montgomery Wards Auto and at his father's business Rugged Equipment Designs.
He was a humble helper to all, putting others before himself, helping family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
Steve spent most of his free time being with family, helping them and simply enjoying their company. He was a devoted father who loved teaching his children and sharing stories with them. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors including gardening, camp fires, hunting and especially fishing. Family vacations centered around fishing and lake sports in Minnesota.
He is survived by his wife Rafaela and their daughter Bella; and by his first wife Susan and their children Benjamin and Brian; and by his step-children Karen Alonzo and Rigo Yanez. He is further survived by his parents Wayne and Lynn Chmiel, and his brothers Wayne (Liz) and Daniel, and many other nieces and nephews.
Services:
A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home and also from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church immediately prior to the service on Friday.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 7th at 11:00am at Messiah Lutheran Church in Wauconda, IL.