Paxton, Illinois
Aug 22, 1941 – Dec 9, 2024
LODA - Stephen Daniel Garbaciak Sr., 83, of Loda died at 7:05 p.m. Monday (Dec. 9, 2024) at Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Loda, with Father Nestor Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Loda. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Baier Family Funeral Services, 406 E. Pells St., Paxton, followed by a rosary at 7 p.m.
Steve was born Aug. 22, 1941, in Chicago, the son of Steve and Albina Kujawa Garbaciak. He married Judith Theresa Cich on Oct. 19, 1963, at St. Thecla in Chicago. She preceded him in death Feb. 25, 2017.
He is survived by two sons, Stephen D. (Deborah) Garbaciak Jr. of Mokena and Daniel T. (Shallyn) Garbaciak of Payson, Utah; four grandchildren Timothy, Katherine, Miranda and Alec; one great-granddaughter, Nora; and three sisters, Kathleen (Don) Wagner of Buffalo Grove, Diane (Thomas) Moran of Burr Ridge and Susan (Dale) Kubiesa of Algonquin.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Steve graduated from St. Rita High School in Chicago in 1959 and from Lewis College of Science & Technology in Lockport. He worked in the automotive industry for many years and retired from Inspection Solutions in Naperville. He and his wife lived in the Chicago area. They bought a home at Lake Iroquois in 1993 and spent weekends there before moving to the lake in 2003.
Steve was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Loda and a former member of the Loda Lion's Club. He served on the Lake Iroquois Board for over 15 years. He was an avid reader and a train enthusiast. Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Association or the Ronald McDonald House.
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.
I just learned of Steve’s passing. I was a good friend of his wife, Judy. We worked at District 144 for many years. I kept in contact with Steve over the years, sharing memories of Judy and our growing families. I wish I could have attended his services. My deepest sympathy to Steve and Dan and his grandchildren. I’ll remember all of you in my prayers.
Ellen DeSpain
March 09, 2025 | Oak Forest, IL | Friend
I worked at the Illinois Knights Templar when Steves wife was there. It was very heartwarming to see how much he loved her and was devoted to her care. I was really saddened to see he had passed.
Lori McQuinn
February 06, 2025 | Paxton, IL | Friend
So sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy.
Mary Moore
December 29, 2024 | Scottsdale, AZ | Family
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Christine Keegan
December 19, 2024 | Schaumburg, IL
Stephen and Daniel, I'm so sorry that your father passed away. He will be greatly missed by Missy and I. I always looked forward to seeing your dad ( and mom). I always had a fun time when I was with them. I regret not being able to see him one more time. We will keep you and your families in our prayers during your time of grief.
Greg Green
December 14, 2024 | Rock Island, IL | Family
My heart and prayers are with you and your family Steve! I remember when our fathers met each other at a DU Dad's Day! Your personality and love of others is a direct product of his soul. He kept it "real"...just like you! Be strong and know that you have done him proud. ❤
John Conrad
December 13, 2024 | Chicago, IL
He was one of my favorite patients, we were always joking back and forth. I will miss him dearly. So sorry for your loss, I was going to attend the visitation but I am ill. Hugs to you all!
Ellen Lee
December 13, 2024 | Paxton, IL
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God bless your family.
Steve Lehrke
December 13, 2024 | Green Bay, WI
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Steve Lehrke
December 13, 2024
