Stephen Reim

Stephen Monger Reim, 83, died on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, in Park Ridge, Illinois, after battling neurological complications from ongoing chronic pneumonia. Stephen (Steve) was born on Nov. 11, 1941, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Evelyn (nee Monger) and Max Reim.

Steve graduated in 1959 from Elkhart High School, where he was a captain of the Indiana State Sectional basketball championship team that year. Steve was not only a basketball star, but also excelled in track and field as a star hurdler. Steve went on to receive his undergraduate degree in 1963 from DePauw University in Greencastle, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. While attending DePauw, Steve began dating Susan Harrison, also a graduate of Elkhart High School, Class of 1960. Sue was enrolled at Indiana University at the time, and they frequently traveled back and forth to each other's schools for visits, dates and fraternity/sorority events. They were married in August of 1963 and moved into married housing at IU. Steve graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Business degree in 1965.

In 1965, Steve began a long career with Miles Laboratories (later Bayer Corp.) in Elkhart, Indiana, working in the marketing department. His skills and personality allowed him to quickly rise to the top of the marketing world where he had the privilege of working with national advertising agencies in Chicago and New York City. Miles products, including Alka-Seltzer (Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is – Speedy Alka-Seltzer), One-A-Day vitamins, and Flintstone vitamins were among many of his cherished projects. In 1987, Bayer Corp. offered a promotion requiring the family to relocate to Naperville, Illinois. Steve began his role as Division President, heading the S.O.S. Soap Pad plant in Bedford Park, Illinois. After leaving Bayer Corp., Steve briefly ran a potpourri and incense plant in Chicago, Illinois, worked in marketing for BRK Brands/First Alert in Aurora, Ilinois, and prior to retirement opened a small consulting firm specializing in marketing and branding in Naperville, Illinois.

Steve was an active member in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Naperville for 35 years, serving time on the church council, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. He enjoyed many hobbies and had many passions, among them golf, fishing and hunting. Rarely seen without a golf "self-help" book of some sort, he was always looking for ways to improve his game. He enjoyed frequent trips to Lake Wawasee in Indiana, fishing trips to Canada with his sons and friends, frequent visits to Grand Teton National Park, and fly fishing in Montana.

Steve was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his sons Mark (Delana) Reim of Niceville, Florida; John (Maureen) Reim of Grayslake, Illinois; and grandchildren Jessica Pittman, James Reim and Kelsey Reim.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service celebrating Steve's life at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville, IL 60540, 630-355-2522, https://oursaviours.com.

Memorial remembrances may be made in Steve's name to: Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at the above address.

Arrangements are by Skaja Funeral Home, Niles, Illinois, 847-966-7302 or www.skajafuneralhomes.com.