Jeffrey “Jeff” Andrew Stevens, age 59, of Wheaton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, with his beloved family by his side.
Jeff was born on October 10, 1965, in Decatur, Illinois, to Philip Stevens and Mary Jane (née Bruggeman). He grew up in Downers Grove, participated in Boy Scouts throughout his youth, ran his own lawn mowing business, and graduated from Downers Grove South High School with the Class of 1984. Jeff’s love of the graphic animation in the new Star Wars movies inspired him to earn a BFA in Computer Graphic Animation from Northern Illinois University in 1988.
Throughout his life, Jeff wore many hats with dedication and heart. He started a career in Graphic Arts working for NETG – National Education Training Group. He worked with the Special Education Department of School District 200, and drove, taught, and tested student drivers for Illinois Central School Bus. In addition, Jeff had a natural talent for creativity and ran a successful freelance graphic design business.
Jeff was a faithful and active member of Gospelife Church, where he found a strong sense of community and purpose. He gave his heart to Jesus Christ as a young teen and lived for Him throughout his entire life. He held men’s Bible studies out of his home and welcomed all who were interested in attending.
Above all else, Jeff was a devoted husband and father. Married to his loving wife Cheryl (née Sasveld) for 25 years, the two built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Together with their daughter Clara, they created countless memories on family camping trips to King’s Camp, Blackwell Forest Preserve, Michigan, and South Carolina in their pop-up camper. Jeff cherished time spent in nature, whether swimming at the beach, sitting by the bonfire, or kayaking with Clara. As Clara became a runner, Jeff encouraged her every step of the way, riding alongside her on his E-Bike during training runs and offering support and advice.
Jeff’s playful spirit shone in his love for building and racing remote-controlled cars and boats—a passion he shared with family and friends alike. He organized and ran RC boat races for the Batavia “Amp Eaters” Boat Club for many years, also achieving national titles in the IMPBA. Known as “Mr. Smooth” to some in the RC car world, his skilled and competitive nature yielded national titles in the Tamiya Racing Series.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl; his cherished daughter Clara; his brother Perry (Babette) Stevens; nephews Zane (Kristin), Drew, Myles, and Tyler Stevens; as well as great-niece Zella and great-nephew Bennett Stevens. He will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Mary Jane, and his sister Sandra Stevens.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hultgren Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 565 Randy Rd, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. A second Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 AM at Gospelife Church, 600 Kuhn Rd, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Burial will follow immediately at Wheaton Cemetery.
*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.
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