Stephen C. Kmiec, 85, of Wheaton, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. He was born on June 30, 1939, in Bono, Ohio, to Steven and Jane Kmiec.

A proud graduate of Rogers High School in Toledo, Stephen served in the U.S. Navy for five years. He had the honor of traveling the world aboard the USS George Washington, the first Polaris Naval Submarine.

After his time in the Navy, Stephen returned to Ohio, where he met his beloved wife Mary while they worked together. In 1963, he began a long career with AT&T, which brought him and his family to Wheaton, Illinois, where he worked for 34 and a half years before retiring in 1997.

Stephen was known for his great sense of humor. A true jokester, he loved making people laugh with funny noises and his spirited dancing. His passion for gardening was unmatched, and he took great pride in cultivating a magical garden that provided food and joy for his family and friends for many years.

Stephen's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Wynscape for the exceptional care he received, as well as to Emily APRN and the doctors and nursing staff on the 3rd floor at Central DuPage Hospital for their dedicated support during his final days.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary; his children Stephen R. (Robin) Kmiec, Tim (Sylvia) Kmiec and Tonya (Andy) Miller; his grandchildren Vincent (Gina), Gianna, Victoria, Olivia, Emily, Kylie and Alexandra; his great-grandchildren Beckham & Kobe. Also survived by numerous nieces & nephews and his faithful canine companion, Piper.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Carolyn (Bob) Westfall & Joyce Gehring

A memorial gathering will be held at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187, on Thursday, April 10th from 2:00pm  - 6:00pm. with a service starting at 5:00 p.m and ending at 6:00pm.  Interment with Military Honors will be held privately at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027 .