Steven Todd Shanks

Steven T. “Spazo” Shanks, 74, of Seneca, IL passed away Friday, November 17, 2023 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. 

Steve was born on March 15th, 1949 in Sioux City, Iowa to Don & Ida Mae Shanks. Later he was raised by two very special people, his aunt & uncle, Dorothy Do-Do and Earnest “Unc” Todd. 

Raising hogs and hanging out with Gramps “Banjo” on the family farm was where you would find Steve in his happy place. Anyone who knew Steve knows he was a worker. And that started when he was young. Lying at the ripe ole age of 15 just so he could get hired at the local feed store. He wanted to start making that money as soon as possible. Steve graduated in 1967 from South Sioux City High School. Shortly after, he joined the Military. 

Steve was known for his service to our country, serving in the United Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and to his community, volunteering for the Seneca Fire Protection and Ambulance District. Although Steve wasn’t fond of talking about his service in Vietnam it helped shape the tough exterior of his personality. Those who knew and loved him saw the warm and loving side of him, always willing to give a helping hand to anyone, especially his beloved next door neighbor Glenda. Steve also worked for over 20 years at both Alumax and Caterpillar. 

He met the love of his life at church camp when they were just teenagers. After years of dating and his tour in Vietnam they married. Hazel Marlene McGeorge became his wife on June 6th, 1970. They were married  for 53 years and created a life and family together. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Cheryl “Cheri” and then a son, Jeremy “Jer”.  Out of those two kids came a family full of “Brats”.

Watching the Cubs, the Bears, Nebraska football, woodworking, yard work and his beloved Harley are just a few things that made Steve’s world go round. 

Steve is survived by his wife, Hazel (McGeorge) Shanks; his two children, Cheri (Scott) Cruz and Jeremy (Christin) Shanks; eight grandchildren, Tyler Shanks, Madison (Tanner) Galyen, Sophie Shanks, Zachary Huffman, Nicholas Huffman, Abigail Huffman, Aubrey Cruz and Alex (Kelsy) Cruz; and six great grandchildren, Benjamin, Lillianna, and Samuel Huffman, Kai and Cam Galyen and Atlas Cruz. He is also survived by his beloved best friend and companion, his dog Jill; the two were an inseparable pair. His “sister” Vicky (Jerry) Schweiger also held a very special spot in Steve’s heart. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, Aunts & Uncles. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, from 9:00am until 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church in Seneca, 121 W. Lincoln St., Seneca, IL 61360. A funeral ceremony will follow at 11:00am. Burial will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date

Steve is finally at peace. Free of pain, mind body & soul. Rest easy Paw Paw. See you when we get there.  

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