Esteban Z. (Steve) Popoca, 60

Esteban Z. Popoca (Steve) age 60, of Woodstock, Ill., was peacefully welcomed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, May 7, 2021, in the presence of some of his loving family members after a courageous 13-month battle with cancer. 

He was born to Manuel and Ines (Zariñana) Popoca and was the fourth of eight children. 

He married Adalia Perez in 1984, and they were blessed with the birth of three beautiful children. 

He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock. 

His number one and greatest joy was spending time with family and friends, building and creating things out of nothing, and working outdoors. He had a knack for building, creating, and fixing anything, including fixing hearts with a simple hug, words of wisdom, and a smile. 

But most of all he will be remembered for being an example of living out his Christian faith. He was a humble, kind, and loving man who loved and served our Lord through others, asking nothing in return. 

Esteban is survived by his wife, Adalia; three children, Vanessa (Greg Dickey II) Popoca, Stephanie Eli (Abigail Hill) Popoca, and Kristina (Ewa Cebula) Popoca; his mother, Ines Popoca, his sister Inés Jovita (Bernardo) Lopez, his sister Flora (Jesus) Diaz, his brother Alberto Popoca, his sister Cleo (Chino) Popoca, his sister Nieves Popoca Murillo; his mother-in-law, Anita Perez; and numerous beautiful nieces and nephews, in-laws, and many close family friends, along with his grandpups and grandcats (Ruckus, Gator, Eisley, Esme, and Aslan).

Esteban is preceded in death by his father, Manuel; his brother, Manny; his sister, Gloria; and a niece, Fatima Lopez.

Visitation will be on Sunday, May 16, 2021, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church, 312 Lincoln St., Woodstock, on Monday May 17, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will be private. 

The family of Esteban Popoca wishes to extend sincere thanks to all family, friends, and loved ones who walked and followed his journey with love, prayers, and support, and to all the amazing caregivers doctors, nurses, and especially to the loving and caring staff at JourneyCare Hospice. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Journey Care – Barrington, Ill.

For more information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin and Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710, or visit slmcfh.com.