Stephen R. Koelsch

Visitation for Stephen R. Koelsch, 73, of Palatine since 2004, will be held Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine. Remembrances will begin at 12:00 p.m. The Interment will be private.

Stephen was born December 25, 1952, in Hammond, Indiana, and passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at home.

Stephen is the beloved husband of Melissa A. Koelsch (nee Casey); loving father of Dawn Koelsch, Casey Koelsch (Matt Davies), Robin Koelsch (Josh Therriault), the late Stephanie Koelsch, and Amanda Koelsch (Vance Beilman); loving grandfather of Kaitlyn Grosch, Leroy Therriault , Corrina Therriault, and Melissa Beilman; dear son of the late Robert and Martha (nee Smith) Koelsch; fond brother of Karen (Dave) Cragg, Meg Weekly, and the late Dave Koelsch.

Floral tributes may be sent to Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 201 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, 60067

Steve was a loving father, brother, uncle, husband, friend, and perhaps in his favorite role, was a devoted grandfather. He very rarely missed a game, a recital, a concert, or a chance to see his children or grandchildren. He sacrificed for his family. He talked too loudly on the phone. His bellowing voice from the bottom of the stairs, unmistakable. The all-encompassing feeling of his hug, incomparable.

Whether you grew up with him as a sibling or grew up with him as your parent or grandparent, whether you married him, or knew him through someone in his family, we were lucky to have had the honor.

Thank you for the laughter and love, Steve, Dad, Uncle, Brother, Peepaw. You will be missed and our memories will be treasured.

Go Bears!