Stephen 'Steve' William Skundrich, Jr

Stephen 'Steve' William Skundrich, Jr., 84, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his daughter's home in Georgia on March 29, 2014, where he had been visiting.Born at his home in Wood River on February 24, 1930, the eldest of the three children of Stephen W. Sr. and Frances K. (Fuderich) Skundrich.He graduated from East Alton Wood River High School in 1948, where he was the quaterback and middle center for the "Oiler" football team.  After high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame for 2 1/2 years, then transferred to the University of Illinois, where he stayed a year before being drafted into the U.S. Army.  He served in the Korean War from 1952-54.  Upon his retur to the states, he re-enrolled at the U of I, where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in architecture.Steve worked as an architect in the area for over 40 years, specializing in the design of hospitals and medical facilities.  He also designed many homes and businesses in the area.  He retired from HBE in Creve Coeur, MO in 1998.  A lifetime member of Holy Angels Parish, formerly St. Bernard's in Wood River, he also served as a member of the Wood River Water Board.Steve loved reading, crossword puzzles, vintage cars and Notre Dame football.  He enjoyed spending his Sundays with his son, daughter-in-law and grandson; loved trqveling to Georgia and Alabama to see his daughters, son-in-law and grandchildeen.  He loved to watch his three grandchildren play sports, especially futbol (soccer).  He had been visiting Georgia to watch his granddaughter play her senior varsity year of futbol when he passed. On November 17, 1956 in Wood River, he married the former Thelma "Tina" Pollard.  They were married 55 years before her death on August 12, 2011.He is survived by his three children, Lisa (Brian) Clark of Powder Springs, GA, Lori Skundrich of Mobile, AL, Stephen, III (Aimee) Skundrich of Maryville; three grandchildren, Brennan and Sydney Clark, James Skundrich; brother, Tom (Rose) skundrich of Wood River and Largo, FL; sister, Mary Malone of Wood River; sister-in-law, Kay Pollard of East Alton; many nieces, nephews and friends.Preceding in death were his parents; wife; brothers-in-law, Tony Malone, Homer, Harold and LaVern Pollard.Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, April 3 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.A Mass of Christain Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday at Holy Angels Parish Church in Wood River.  Father James Flach will serve as celebrant.Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.Memorials may be made in Steve's name to the American Diabetes Fouindation of Holy Angels Parish.

Obit Provided By:
Mark's Mortuary