Stephen G. Vargo, 89, died peacefully December 10, 2014 at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Joliet, of Hungarian parents, and lived his entire life in Joliet, apart from years in the army. He was a decorated WWII U.S. Army Veteran, serving at the rank of Corporal. Stephen was a graduate of the Chicago-Kent College of Law, Class of 1949. He also attended the University of Illinois and was a graduate of Joliet Junior College. He graduated of Joliet Township High School in 1942. He was admitted to practice law and became a member of both the Will County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association since 1950. With the assistance of his wife Madelene, he maintained a solo law practice for over 55 years. His daughter, Diana, joined him in practice in 1989. At various times in his life, he held the following positions: Will County Sheriff's Police Special Deputy, Certified Civil Defense Director, County Board of Supervisors and Will County Licensed Realtor. He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Stephen's Church. He was instrumental in the purchase of a building for the Hungarian Catholic Society of Joliet, which led to the creation of St. Stephen's Church in 1950. He was a member of the following organizations: American Legion Post #1080, International Legal Fraternity of Phi Delta Phi, Ohio Athletic Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Will County Old Timers Baseball Association, and Joliet Rivals Club.

Survived by his wife of 62 years, Madelene G. (nee Niznik) Vargo of Joliet, and eight children: Steve (Deb Dillon) Vargo of Canton, MI, Daniel (Judy Mark) Vargo of Naperville, Sharon (Howard) Nelson of Lincolnshire, Diana (Michael) Vargo-Lewandowski of Lockport, Jennifer (Randy) Hauser of Urbana, Elayne (Darran) Moxon of Naperville, Carolyn (Gary) Walker of St. Cloud, FL and Joseph G. (Sandy) Vargo of Farmington Hills, MI; and 18 grandchildren: Annie Ruehl and Joseph C. Vargo; Rebecca Nelson; Elizabeth Lewandowski; Hadley and Brooks Hauser; Nathaniel, Alexandra and Jessica Moxon; Stephen G., Bethany, Rachel, Emily and Amanda Walker; Jacob, Elena, Joseph A. and Madelene Q. Vargo; and numerous nephews and nieces including Angeline Bizzotti of Joliet.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen (nee Fulop) Vargo, originally from Sopron, Hungary; two brothers, Anthony Joseph and Francis; and one sister, Helen Bizzotti.

Private funeral services for Stephen G. Vargo were held on Friday, December 19, 2014 at St. Paul the Apostle Church where a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors under the auspices of the United States Army. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com