Stephen Coffing

Stephen J. Coffing, 81, of Chrisman, IL, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Gibson Hospice Care Center in Terre Haute, IN. He was born on April 16, 1943, the son of James R. and Norma A. (Ward) Coffing. Stephen had two children from a first marriage with Connie Bodine. Stephen and Connie were married March 27, 1965. Their two children, James R. (Lynda) Coffing and Jill Ann Coffing (Rodney) Wallace, survive him. 

Stephen married Janeen [Hawkins] Wonderlin in 1982. Janeen preceded him in death on September 2, 2023. She is survived by two sons, Lance (Michelle) and Wes (Julie) Wonderlin.

Stephen is also survived by eight grandchildren: Sarah (Daniel) Main, Kendra Wallace, Stephanie Coffing, Cori Wallace, Rachel Wonderlin, Isaac Wonderlin, Ryan Wonderlin, and Paige (Jacob) Morris. He has three great-grandchildren, Eleanora James, Ezra Rhodes, and Elliott Steven Main. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael M. Coffing.

Stephen was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He especially enjoyed deer hunting and searching for Native American artifacts. He acquired a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in 1967. He had a variety of vocations, from working on oil rigs in Texas to teaching industrial arts at various schools over the years to working as a sporting goods salesman for Rural King in Paris, IL for the last 11 years. Former students of Stephen’s remember him and his quiet discernment fondly. Many of them reminisce about times that they made an error in class, and Stephen’s response was to shake his head, quietly help them fix the issue, and move on. His family will always treasure memories of Stephen’s reserved demeanor, warm smile, and excellent stories of a life well lived.

Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded by Sunset Funeral Home's DeVerter Chapel in Cayuga. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Online condolences and fond memories can be shared with his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.