Steven A. Shovlain – 39

Steven Ambrose was born on September 13,1986 at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Clinton, IA to Lynne (Merdian) and Joe Shovlain. He returned to God surrounded by his family January 28, 2026, at OSF Saint Anthonys Hospital Rockford, IL from severe septic shock from an abscess in his spine that caused multiple organ failure. Mass of Christian burial will be prayed at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Clinton IA on Friday, February 6th at 11:30 am following a rosary prayer service at 9 am and visitation from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Prince of Peace Parish Hall. Casual attire (Irish, Cubs, Bills).
Steven was beloved by a large extended family from the moment he entered this world and he loved everyone back. Steven was the first-born grandchild on both sides of the family. He received his sacraments at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He was honored to be Henry, Isla and cousin Keegan’s Godfather. He grew up loving the Notre Dame Irish, Chicago Cubs and Buffalo Bills. He loved the time he spent at Nana and Papa Merdian’s and missed those times terribly when they were gone. He loved to talk with Grandma Shovlain and missed her unwavering support when she went home. He was a fierce protector of his family, especially his sisters Jacklyn Marie, Shannon Anne and fiancée Christine Marie. He loved dogs and had a special place in his heart for his black lab Johnny Cash, the dog in black.
Steven graduated from Clinton High School in 2005 where he was an outstanding athlete earning 9 varsity letters, numerous athletic awards and all conference recognitions. He went on to play basketball at Saint Ambrose University for his Uncle Ray. If a sport had a ball, bat or club – Steven excelled. He was an excellent golfer despite using his mom’s hand-me-down left-handed set of starter clubs. After SAU graduation he returned to Clinton and was an assistant basketball coach with his dad at Clinton Community College and a paraeducator at Bluff Elementary School. His players and students loved him. He returned to Saint Ambrose University as an assistant basketball coach and completed a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. After graduation he worked for Morrison Institute of Technology before accepting a position in Human Resources with the Rock Island Arsenal.
Steven was an old soul and genuine and loyal and Cronin stubborn. He didn’t put on airs and lived true to himself. He was humble and didn’t talk about his achievements. He reached out to those he felt were downtrodden. He was razor smart and loved to have spirited discussions on anything, especially with Papa Merdian and Uncle Gumby. He loved politics and voted in his 1st presidential election when he was 18. He loved to talk about the weather and called his mom every day to discuss. He loved his Irish heritage and didn’t miss a Saint Patrick’s parade. A highlight was visiting Ireland with SAU basketball and having a Guiness with Father Chuck. His favorite trip was when Uncle Dave took him on a tour of east coast baseball stadiums for his 8th grade graduation. He loved grilling out. He drove fast and drove every car he owned into exhaustion just as he lived. He loved music and had a knack for finding songs which he had a bad habit of sharing with everyone late at night. He had a habit of calling sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, anyone who would talk late at night about life. He usually ended those conversations with “I love you” and he meant it. He loved to swim whenever and wherever he could. Most of all Steven loved his family. He looked forward to every Merdian Family Gathering, Cronin Reunion or Shovlain Hooley. He loved playing with his nephews and teaching them the old-fashioned fundamentals of sports and teasing his Goddaughter. Steven was a great son, brother, soulmate, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.
He leaves a heartbroken family. Surviving Steven is his fiancée and soulmate of 12 years Christy Kampe, his parents Lynne and Joe, his sisters and brothers-in-law Jackie (Jason) Besch, Shannon (Jared) Voss. Niece Isla Besch. Nephews Owen and Logan Besch. Henry, Bo, Walter and Jack Voss. His aunts Coleen (Dave) Koranda, Marianne (Tom) Dowd, Kathleen (Ken) McNeal, his uncles Mike (Renee) Merdian, Mark (Stephanie) Merdian, Ray (Betsy) Shovlain, Mike (Julie) Shovlain, Dave (Renee) Shovlain and numerous cousins and friends whom he loved.
Steven was preceded in death by his grandparents Jack and Ginger Merdian, Jim and Marcella Shovlain and cousin, Braddock Shovlain.
No more pain Steven, rest in Mother Mary’s arms.
The family wishes to thank everyone for all the prayers, support and love. We feel the outpouring. We also wish to thank Father Pierre, the doctors, nurses and the compassionate staff at OSF Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Your care for Steven was God inspired.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.