The Guest Book is expired.
|
JAMES A. 'JIM' STEDER, 68 ROCHELLE - James A. "Jim" Steder, 68, of Rochelle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012, at home, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born Oct. 4, 1943, in Amboy, to Paul and Pauline (Schauer) Steder. Jim married Bonnie J. Schabacker on March 20, 1964, in Rochelle. Jim graduated from Rochelle Township High School in 1961 and went on to complete an automotive trade program in Nebraska. Jim spent the next 50 years building, repairing and customizing automobiles. He began working for Gene Thornton at age 15 and purchased Thornton's Body Shop in 1983. He owned and operated the family business until 2009. Jim loved to spend time at the cabin he designed and built with his sons, brothers and friends. His interests included motorcycles, airplanes, boats and woodworking but his passion was always for his wife and family. Jim was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Rochelle. Jim was a devoted husband, father and grandfather (papa). He was generally considered the "go-to" guy by his friends and often referred to as the "voice of reason" by his family. He is described by all who knew him as honest, hard-working, patient and kind. The family would like to thank Renae Anderson from Heartland Hospice and Dr. Harvey Einhorn and the SwedishAmerican staff for all their kindness and considerate care during his illness. Survivors include wife and soul mate, Bonnie; two sons, Rick (Eve) Steder of Davis and Chris (Cassie Cecil) Steder of Monroe Center; brothers, Ron (Karla) Steder of Rochelle, Bill (Teresa) Steder of Elgin and Bob Steder of West Brooklyn; three grandchildren, Emily, Sara and Jenna Steder. He was predeceased by parents; and infant sister, Candace Steder. Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Gregory Hoffmann. Burial in Trinity Memorial Gardens. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at Unger-Horner Funeral Home. Memorials to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Published in Rockford Register Star from October 2 to October 3, 2012
