SVEN "STEVE" SHOAFF

Johnston City–Sven "Steve" Shoaff 80, of Johnston City passed this life on Tuesday May 30, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. in the Herrin Hospital due to complications after a long battle of lung disease.

Sven was born in Colorado Springs, CO to Mildred Barron and Cecil Shoaff on Dec 27, 1936. Dorothy (Romans) and Sven were married Nov 27, 1959 in Chicago. Having previously served in the military, Sven rejoined the U.S. Army which took the family on many assignments and adventures across the United States and Europe. During his Army career, Sven served as a paratrooper with both the 101st and 82nd Airborne units as well as working in the nuclear weapons and ammunitions fields. After 22 years of faithful military service, Sven retired in 1977 to Johnston City. He began new employment working for Container/Staple Corp and then Maytag (Whirlpool) from which he retired in 2001.

Sven is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy (Johnston City); his children, Elizabeth Shaw of San Antonio, Texas, Christian (Leanna) of San Clemente, California, Celeste (Tom) Grider of Marion, Tammie (Don) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,; grandchildren, Ian, Simon, Claire, Drew, Shaylee; great grandchildren, Bailey, Aurora, Aksel; sisters, Anita (Courtney) and Cathy (Paul); brothers-in-laws, Timothy, Joseph, Courtney and Paul; Sisters in law, Florence, Joan and April; and many many nieces nephews and cousins. There are many friends considered family who are held close to the heart.

Sven is preceded in death by his mother Mildred and his father Cecil; mother and father-in-law, Florence and William Romans; brothers in law William, Henry, Dennis Romans, and Delbert; sisters-in-law, Virginia, Mary, Barbara, Judy, and Mary Anne; nephews, Shawn and John; and niece, Lisa Ann.

Sven deeply loved his family and his country. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and friends watching old movies and Saturday night Bingo. His quick sense of humor and lust for life will be missed.

Services will be held on Saturday June 10, 2017 at 11:00 A.M at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City. Visitation will be held on Friday June 9, 2017 from 5:00 P.M to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Graveside military honors will be conducted by the Marion V.F.W, American Legion, and Illinois Army National Guard.