Stephen P. Melnick, 39 of Sycamore died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at Kishwaukee Community Hospital.

He was born on May 9, 1972 in Arlington Heights, IL. The son of Richard and Marilyn (Doran) Melnick. Stephen married Jennifer J. Makaryk on October 14, 2000 in Plainfield, WI.

Steve was employed as a Test and Evaluation Engineering Manager at Honeywell in Freeport. He was a faithful member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa. His faith, family and friends were the most important things in his life and he shared his large, strong heart with all he knew and loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer of Sycamore; two children, Robert and Sarah; his parents, Richard and Marilyn Melnick of Arlington Heights; parent-in-laws Edward and Barbara Makaryk of WI, one sister, Jeanne Roberts (Mike Armando) of Buffalo Grove; brother-in-laws, Christopher Makaryk of WI and Matthew (Kelli) Makaryk of GA, sister-in-laws, Kathryn (Ryan) Sullivan and Rebecca Makaryk of WI, his grandmother, Mildred Doran of FL; nieces and nephews, Daniel Roberts, Nicholas Roberts, Lucas Makaryk, Madison Makaryk, Paige Makaryk, Jacob Makaryk, and Kyleigh Makaryk and a large circle of friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harry and Hazel Melnick, his maternal grandfather, Harry Doran, and niece Allyson Makaryk.

Steve was a 27 year leukemia cancer survivor. Most recently, he was fighting the battle against Leiomyosarcoma. He was an amazing warrior and fought until the Lord called him into his open arms. Steve’s family wishes to thank Kishwaukee Cancer Center and the Kishwaukee Community Hospital for the loving care that Steve received.

His Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, May 8th at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 33930 North State Road, Genoa, with Rev. Jeremy Heilman officiating.

Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00-8:00 PM at the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore.

In lieu of flowers, memorials for Stephen P. Melnick can be made in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For info or to sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com or call 815-895-2833.