Steven Tyler Turner 1950—2016
Steven Tyler Turner, 66, of Freeport, IL, passed over Wednesday, September 28, 2016. He was born May 27, 1950, in Freeport to the late Albert C. and Janet (Tyler) Turner. He married Catherine J. Steele on March 29, 1993. Steve received his Bachelor's in Education from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in March 1974. He has been the owner of and funeral director at Walker Mortuary in Freeport since 1974. He is a member of and past president of the Illinois Funeral Director's Association and the Highland Community College Foundation. Steve loved his cats, his squirrels and his food. He was known for his sense of humor and his gigantic kind heart. He had a gift for helping others and would give every bit of himself to all those dear to him. He never wanted to disappoint anyone. His message to those who mourn was, "grief expressed is grief diminished." Steve is survived by his wife, Catherine Turner of Freeport; sister, Ann E. (Terry) Frint of Ridott; nephews, Lucas (Sarah) Frint of Winnebago and Adam (Angelica) Frint of Chicago; and his fur babies, Docia Moonstone Lucille, Celeste Sapphire Godiva, and Miette Topaz Estelle. He will also be greatly missed by Buddy. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A remembrance visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, October 8th, with a memorial service beginning at 2 p.m. at Highland Community College on the second floor of Building H. Interment will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Freeport at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with his family at www.walkermortuary.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Freeport Journal Standard on Sep. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Turner

38 Entries

Dale Johnson

September 23, 2024

I graduated high school with Steve. He was always a gentleman. He left it better than he found it. Gone from our sight!

Lynnette Eisen

September 23, 2023

He was a man , very caring, he is missed . Prayers to his family

Sue Ryder Scott

March 11, 2023

Remember fondly working with Steve on the 1984 Illinois Funeral Directors international trip with Galaxy Tours. We had SUCH fun with him. So saddened to hear he has passed, far too young. He was a wonderful soul.

Angel Baby Klay

Paul & Colleen Mills

October 8, 2016

Kathy and Doug Wilken

October 8, 2016

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Steve.

October 6, 2016

Steve Turner will be greatly missed. He brought comfort and joy to so many in both times of goodness and sorrow. He was one of the best of the class of 68. Dave Derwent.

Jon Martin

October 4, 2016

I am truly shocked to hear of Steve's passing. I send my deepest sympathy to Catherine whom I know and to the rest of the family. He always had a smile and a warm and friendly hug for everyone. He will be greatly missed by the family and all those families he served. May God be with you all at this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jon R Martin
Marco Island, FL

Darla Rawley

October 2, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Norine & Robert Ehrler

October 1, 2016

So sorry for your loss.

Lorraine Frautschy

October 1, 2016

Cathy, Ann and family:

I wish I could be with you ALL now. What can I say? I have been thinking and praying for you. But I'd like to be with you ALL to give you hugs and my love. In my experience sometimes there is nothing one can say when something unexpected happens but a warm and caring hug with love is the best at the time. God has plans and he will never leave you. Love,
Lorraine Frautschy

David Kleckner

October 1, 2016

Dear Catherine I am sorry to hear about Steve. Steve had my Dad for science class in junior high school and took care of my Parents when they both passed away. Best wishes

October 1, 2016

So long my friend.

September 30, 2016

I've been in dis-belief all day and finding the right thoughts in remembering Steve would be better told by my deceased husband Wallace, who was a 'fun-loving guy' like Steve and who shared many jovial times at Walker's - in and out of Steve's office. Even Steve's mother shuttered when those two were together. Steve was a calm,caring & compassionate presence with every family we witnessed during our ministry there at St. John UCC. He also was 'an ear & help' when our daughter's accident caused us to talk 'organ donor'. Last year when Wallacc died the letter Steve sent me was so touching that I still have it to read - I hope all of you in the family and his co-workers have notes from those whose lives he touched to help you through this time. There is one sure thing I know - no one can think of or speak of Steve without a smile or chuckle - he was a delight to know, and we are all richer for his place in our lives - I know I am and Wallace would say so too. My prayers for special & beautiful memories and Peace. In Christian Love: Tonita Reifsteck

September 30, 2016

Through most of Steve's adult life he was the one that was there for others going through loss and loneliness. But we never gave it a second thought of how much those that are always there with a smile, a kind words feel. I never saw Steve take, but always gave. We as God's children sometimes need a little love but are too compassionate to reach out and ask. You were a deeply kind loving man Steve and deserved to be with us longer. You are at peace now.

Rich & Nancy Voss

September 30, 2016

To the Turner and Steele families, You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of Steve. He was one in a million! Always sharing a story, laugh or a hug. He will be dearly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Jim Seeman

September 30, 2016

To Catherine and Family
Steve was very much a part of our Seeman Family, and more like another brother to Tim. He will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. Rest in Peace, Steve.

Bob

September 30, 2016

so shocked and saddened. Steve was a very kind, generous, funny, insightful, compassionate, passionate, wise ect man. I am praying for his family and friends.

Susan Atherton

September 30, 2016

I am in complete shock at the news of Steve's passing. He was a very passionate man and helped many families during their time of grief (including ours). Friends for over 20 years, we shared many lunches, laughs and tears. My deepest condolences to Steve's family. Bless you my friend.

Greg Hartman

September 30, 2016

My condolences to Catherine, to his sister Ann and her family and to the many friends of Steven. And all the families Steven and his father and their staff have helped,consoled and memorialized over the years. Steve, I will miss seeing you and hearing your stories when I come to town. I hope you know how important you are,you always were and how many people cared for and cared about you.
Rest now my friend, PEACE be on your home.

Dixie and Jack Beyer

September 29, 2016

To the Turner family our thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve had a heart of gold. He helped the needy and always showed respect to the hospice patients at time of death and was compassionate to the families. He will be missed.

September 29, 2016

It is with great sorrow that I write this note. Steve was the most compassinate person I have ever met. He helped us with many sad times. He knew just what to say.
My thoughts and prayers are with him. May he rest in peace. We have lost the most wonderful and thoughtful person I have ever known.

Judy Koym
Merrimac, WI

September 29, 2016

We are deeply saddened by your terrible loss. Our sincere condolences to all of Steve's family and to the employees of Walker Mortuary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we wish you peace and comfort.
Sincerely, Linda and Ray Alberts

September 29, 2016

My heart goes out to the Turner and Steele family. I enjoyed working with Steve & Walker Mortuary for many years as the secretary at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. He always made me feel as if I were doing my job well. I know he helped the families he worked with handle their grief easier. He will be greatly missed my our staff and the community.

Sandy Roser

September 29, 2016

We were so sorry to hear of Stevens passing. He was a very special person to his family and friends.

Our hearts go out to the Turner and Steele families.

Mike & Judi Marino

September 29, 2016

We were so sorry to hear about Steven's passing. Our hearts go out to the Turner and Steele families. My he rest in peace.

Mike & Judi Marino

September 29, 2016

So sorry for your loss . You and your family will be in our prayers. I will miss his stories about buddy. They always made me smile.

Gale & Linda W.

Douglas Eisen

September 29, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss he was a great person, the Turner family an ours go way back. Rest in peace Steve Turner. The family are in our prayers. Doug an Lynnette Eisen

Debbie Roush

September 29, 2016

I have known Steve since high school as I was a 1969 graduate of Freeport High. I have worked with him through the churches I'm associated with Since the early 70's playing for funerals. I considered him a friend. I will miss him and his humor. God bless.

Brandie Avey

September 29, 2016

We loved him like family...we use to go out to eat with him and oh, he could tell the jokes...just tears...we miss him so. -Dan and Brandie Avey

Mary Vohwinkle

September 29, 2016

I am so saddened by the news of Steve's death. He was a bright light in our community. My fondest memories of Steve revolve around his appearances as a guest speaker in my Sociology classes at Pearl City High School. His warmth, empathy, compassion, and humor were so evident to my students and he was so generous with his time and his patience with their questions.

My hope is that our community, his family, and his friends can all find comfort in knowing that he was loved, respected, and admired. They are all in my prayers.

Dale Johnson

September 29, 2016

I will always cherish the memory I have of the relationship Steve and his father Al had with Ed and Lorraine Schramm. My deepest sympathy to the Turner family.

Phil Gothard

September 29, 2016

Ann and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you!

sarah vandeberg

September 29, 2016

MY prayers and thoughts are with and the many friends Steve has with the loss of such a kind and true friend. My heart and thoughts go out to his furry friends such as Buddy, I always read the articles he put in paper of his love for him and the dogs. Freeport has lost a great man and he will dearly missed. God bless the family in their loss. God just needed another angel and he chose Steve.

James and joann BLACK

September 29, 2016

We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing.I do believe he will now be the guardian angel at the rainbow bridge.RIP kind and gentle man.

September 29, 2016

Steve was such a kind man, he will be missed by many.

September 29, 2016

This is such a shock for me. Steve, your kindness and thoughtfulness will be remembered by many.
When I married, Steve arranged for his limousine to transport happy newlyweds from the church to Krape Park and onto the reception downtown. It was a surprise gift for us, from Steve, when he heard the church was quite a distance from the club. Cathy, my deepest condolences to you and all of Steve's loved ones. Steve was a blessing as much as he was blessed. He will be dearly missed!

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