Stephen "Steve" Bloxom
October 10, 1944 - March 3, 2026
Lake Summerset, Illinois - Stephen Bloxom, known lovingly as Steve, was born on October 10, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas. A man defined by his humble nature, his generous spirit, his love for those around him, and his ambition, Steve passed away on March 3, 2026, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift all who had the honor of knowing him.
Steve's life was a testament to his faith, a cornerstone of his existence. As an active member of River Park Bible Church in Fresno, CA, and also while attending both Trinity Community Church in Clovis, CA, and later, River's Edge Bible Church in Pecatonica, IL, his commitment to the Lord was evident after coming to faith much later in life. He served as a faithful member of River Park by leading a singles Sunday School class, and teaching a home bible study for many years. As an Evangelical Christian, he lived by the words in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Professionally, Stephen was a remarkable architect, having earned his Professional Architect License on his own. His career spanned 18 years at Marks Gobel & Associates before becoming partners with Eldon Marks to form Marks Bloxom Architects, and later becoming owner of MBA. His ambitious nature led him to design notable commercial buildings, but also personally, his heart led him to design his own home in Clovis. Among his personal achievements, Steve was a licensed private pilot. However, no matter his professional accomplishments, Stephen was a man who found true joy in simple pleasures. A lover of nature and the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing, fly fishing, camping, photography, and reading, with a particular love for God's word. In his later years, Steve discovered a passion for bird watching, and his grandchildren would lovingly say Papa's favorite hobby was searching for the perfect river.
The family wishes to give a special Thank You to Barbara, Marcy, Brittany and Cassidy and SSM Health at Home Hospice for all their tender loving care that helped him to remain at home.
Stephen was a devoted family man and is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Cheryl Bloxom, his daughters, Kristi (Eric) Mock and Kelli Bloxom, his grandchildren, Cortnee (Ryan) McReynolds, Brian (Stephanie) Mock, and Anna Mazzari, and his great-grandchildren, Eliam, Ezra, Oliver, Asher, Atlas, Rilee, Bentley, and Brady; brother -in-law Jim Burress; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Helen Bloxom, his great-grandson, Kaiden Mazzari, and his sister, Karen Moore.
Stephen's favorite bible verse to quote was James 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
As we remember Stephen, we are reminded of his love for his family, his faith, and his commitment to serving others. We encourage you to share your memories and upload photos of Stephen on the memorial page, as we come together to celebrate a man who was a beacon of love, generosity, and ambition.
A Memorial Ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 15, 2026 in River's Edge Bible Church, 517 Main Street, Pecatonica, IL. Cremation Rites to be Accorded. McCorkle Funeral Home - Pecatonica Chapel assisted the family.
The family invites those unable to attend to join via livestream at :
https://bytheriversedge.org/memorial/Published by Fresno Bee from Mar. 6 to Mar. 8, 2026.