Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Stephen Toolen Obituary
Toolen, Stephen, Sr.
74, of Columbia, IL, born Aug. 5, 1949, died on Wed, October 11, 2023. Stephen was retired from the U.S. Government. After his retirement he went to work as a custodian for the Columbia School District. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Emilie, nee Levy, Toolen; seven siblings, Thomas Toolen, Kitty Pisciotta, Jackie Toolen, Jean Linhares, Danny Toolen, Kevin Toolen, and Mickie Pruitt.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Gale Toolen, nee Ritter; his children, Heather (Scott) Heck of and Stephen (Biancia) Toolen, Jr.; four siblings, Mary Rose (Dennie) Fischer, Patti Kratschmer, Michael Toolen, and Terry Toolen, seven grandchildren, Xander and Abbey Heck and Gianni, Brantley, Skylar, Declan, and Lennox Toolen; and an aunt, Ginna Brazill. He was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Services: Visitation 3 to 6 p.m. Tues., October 17, 2023, Braun Funeral Home, Columbia, IL. Funeral 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Private cremation will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Toolen
3 Entries
leisa l. asselmeier
January 21, 2025
I remember when steve would be riding the tractor on the Ritter farm. I thought he looked as if he was enjoying it.
leisa L. Asselmeier
October 7, 2024
He was a quiet, nice guy after all those years in government. He'd run in those Toolen athletic shoes from the Toolen shoe store. It didn't matter who was on the phone--he was nice.
leisa l. asselmeier
October 24, 2023
gale I'm sorry I couldn,t be there--but my heart goes out to you. I heard about steve's death from judy -- was everyone notified by facebook? judy said steve looked like his father in the casket. can we do lunch sometime when you're better?
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Toolen's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Toolen
Funeral services provided by:
Braun Family Funeral Home - Columbia265 Quarry Road, Columbia, IL 62236
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Toolen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
