Steven L. Underwood, age 60 of Newark, IL passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora, IL. He was born on February 5, 1961 in Elgin, IL, the son of Robert and Helen (Held) Underwood.

Steven was united in marriage on September 21, 1985 to Tammy Stevenson and they spent the next 36 years happily together. Mr. Underwood was a proud Veteran of the United States Marine Reserves. He attended Helmar Lutheran Church in Newark, IL. Steve was an Electrician and a member of the IBEW Local #701. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

Steve embodied the philosophy that life is short and every moment should be cherished. He had many adventures all around the world: trekking 500 miles across Spain on the El Camino, hiking to the base of Mount Everest, journeying to Machu Picchu, canoeing the Everglades and Boundary Waters, and exploring India and Europe with Tammy, to name just a fraction of his bucket-list experiences.  A man with many hobbies and passions, he loved the outdoors and was captivated by the beauty of the world around him. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren and always made it a priority to spend time with them.

Steve is survived by his wife, Tammy Underwood of Newark, IL; his children, Traci (Eric) Anderson of Big Rock, IL, Dan (Allie) Underwood of Millbrook, IL and Amy (Lane) Underwood of Naperville, IL; his grandchildren, Roman Underwood, Wesley and Rhett Anderson; his siblings, Gary Underwood of Marseilles, IL and Debra Lambert of Ottawa, IL; also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Underwood.

Services will be private and there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Steve’s passion for the outdoors, memorials may be made to Big City Mountaineers, a non-profit organization that provides free backpacking trips for youth who lack the opportunity to experience nature.

Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (630) 553-7611.

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