Zayne “Dooder” Stroud

Zayne “Dooder” Stroud, age 3, of Springfield, Illinois, tragically passed away on Monday February 6, 2023 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois from an injury he sustained in an accidental fall.

He was born on November 12, 2019 in Springfield, Illinois having come into the world as boisterous as he left it.

Mourning his loss are his parents Erika and James, his Godmother Lindsi Kane, his cousin Addilyn Tanner, his grandparents Helaina and Ken Nahlik and Leah and Travis Childers along with his aunts Melissa Myint, Jessica Wells, Jada Bouvet, Samantha “Sissy” Nahlik, and Bella Nahlik as well as his uncles David “Spider-Man” Arkebauer, Brennan Spiesz, Robert Howe, Dylan Thompson, and Clinton Wells.

Zayne is preceded in death by his great grandmother Candace Myint, his great grandfather Val Nahlik, and his uncle S.D.

Zayne was known by all who loved him as “Dooder”. He was fascinated by Spider-Man’s abilities and PJ Mask’s Greg “Gecko”’s muscles. Dooder relished any chance he could show off  how he could use his Gecko muscles to jump and sling webs. He loved to be outside and on the go. He seized every opportunity to dance, sing, and just plain rock out to music. Put a fishing pole in his hand and he was a serious fisherman. Give him a first-aid kit and he was out to bandage every boo-boo there ever was to bandage.

Dooder had a contagious laugh that made all who heard it giggle. His big beautiful brown eyes could steal anyone’s heart. But it was the tender way he would gently cup your face in his tiny hands, stare directly in your eyes, and smile as big as he could until you started to laugh that captured your soul. Every essence of his being exemplified the purest freedom only glimpsed in the innocence of a child’s joy and wonderment. In his quiet moments as he wound down from the excitement and adventures of the day as he snuggled up close to you that you could feel the depth of his unconditional love.

A private family visitation and services will be held. There will also be a celebration of life for friends of the family held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sangamon County Animal Protective League.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.