Stephen Ross Shields, 67, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2016 at St. John's Hospital.

Stephen was born on February 10, 1949 in Rockford, the son of Harry Syke and Dolores Pauline Shields.  He married Mary K. Cookey.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during Vietnam as well as serving in the National Guard.  He worked for the state of Illinois in the Building and Grounds Department.  He enjoyed camping in Jacksonville, fishing and playing cards.  He loved his grandchildren and was always interested in knowing what they were doing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Mary; two son, Michael (Beth) and Mark (Michelle) Shields; three brothers, Pat (Carol), Jeff (Janine) and David (Connie); two sisters, Judy and Lorna; four grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester.  Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will conduct honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation.