Stephen John Niemiec, age 75 of Wilton Center, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Friday, June 26, 2026, with his loving family at his side. Survived by his children Stephanie (Christopher) Riner, Christina Sintic, Kimberly (Timothy) Miller, and Laura (Matthew) Johnson, his grandchildren Haylie (fiancé Jackson Long) Riner, Benjamin (Ashlee) Riner, Emma Riner, Franklin Sintic, Anna Sintic, Ryan Massey, Reagan Miller, and Dylan Miller, anticipated great-grandchild, Bentley, numerous nieces and nephews, and his faithful canine companion "Grover". Preceded in death by his cherished wife Grace (June 2025), parents Stanley and Helen (nee Rozac) Niemiec, sister Sandra (late Richard) Gotlund and beloved dogs "Bert", "Ernie", “Biff”, and “Butkis”.

Steve graduated from Lemont High School and attended Illinois State University. He went on to serve as Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps as a rifle expert. After his time in Vietnam, he worked as an independent plumber before joining the Plumbers Local Union 130. Steve was strong and steady in his faith; He was a long-time active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Wilton Center alongside his wife and fondly attended the Latin Masses at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale. He loved fishing, golfing, and cooking, which he did most passionately for other people. Steve was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend who will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation for Steve will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4pm – 8pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following day on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rockdale. Interment will immediately follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, with full military honors and a Committal Service rendering at 12:30pm. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.