Steven James Cochlan

Steven James Cochlan, 70, of Hinsdale died Monday, December 15, 2025 peacefully at home with his family by his side after a 7-year struggle with ALS.

Steve was born on March 25, 1955 in Barberton, Ohio, the first and only son of Jim and Marjorie Cochlan. Steve found his love of wrestling while living in Maple Heights, Ohio, where he competed with a nationally ranked champion wrestling program. His family moved to Miamisburg, Ohio his freshman year of high school and Steve applied his enthusiasm and experience to help build and grow the program resulting in a successful wrestling career and many lifelong friendships. Steve attended Bowling Green University on a wrestling scholarship where he graduated in 1977 with a B.S. in Accountancy. His love for the sport of wrestling led him to join the Board of Fellowship of Christian Athletes – Wrestling, help start a wrestling program at Cornerstone University, and fund a training center at his alma mater Miamisburg High School.

Steve began his business career with Price Waterhouse in Detroit, Michigan. He went on to start his first business at the age of 25 working out of a single rented room with a typewriter and traveling around the country sleeping on friends' couches. His relentless work ethic and expertise led him to buy into Clark/Bardes, Inc. After the company went public in the late 1990's, Steve moved on to once again create his own corporate owned life insurance businesses - The Cochlan Group and Bank Consulting Group. This independence allowed him to be bold in the marketplace, proclaiming his love for Jesus Christ and a desire for everyone to join him in heaven. His devotion to client service and a culture of excellence was motivated by this proclamation. He not only served his clients as if serving his Lord, but used his platform to share the Good News through countless prayers, phone conversations and Easter and Christmas mailings.

Steve was faithful using his gift of servant leadership with many faith- based organizations. He enjoyed organizing and leading hundreds of Park Community Church members on Montana Trips to build Christian community. He also proudly served on the board of Cornerstone University. His latest passion, due to his diagnosis with ALS, led him to create a space for those affected by this devastating disease to be loved and supported through prayer and understanding. He loved to use the resources God provided him to give generously to numerous ministries who are commit to acting as the hands and feet of Jesus.

Steve's immense heart and unending energy allowed him to pack far more than 70 years of adventures with us. Steve was devoted to his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes and loved watching the games with Cullen and friends eating wings. An avid "girl dad" to Stephanie and Cassidy he planned numerous daddy/daughter dates. He loved scuba diving, skiing and fly fishing in Big Sky, Montana, golfing and fishing in Captiva Island, Florida and his many years enjoying the city life while living in Chicago. He loved sharing these places and experiences with his family and countless friends. As his body started failing him, he shifted to weekly Euchre games with buddies that brought him tremendous joy.

Steve was known for being a devoted and loving family man. His children were truly the joy of his life. He could not have been prouder of them and loved being their father. He earned a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do with them, coached their AYSO soccer and Jodie Harrison basketball teams, and watched countless swim meets, dance recitals and competitions. He invented "fun Fridays" and always made bedtime devotions and prayer time a priority. His determination to continue to be a part of their lives inspired him to fight his failing body in order to be present for their milestones such as high school and college graduations as well beginning new careers.

Steve will be remembered for his courage, faith, and unmistakable presence. He lived without limits, leaving this world brighter and heaven fuller. His legacy will be carried on by his wife of 25 years, Susan; their children, Cullen, Stephanie and Cassidy; his sisters, Jamie Cochlan and Chrissy (Chris) Perrucci and many nieces and nephew, cousins, and other cherished relationships.

Those wishing to make a memorial gift in Steve's honor are invited to do so to the ALS Family of Faith ministry that Steve founded. All contributions will help advance Steve's passion to walk along side those affected by ALS through support and prayer. Please visit alsfamilyoffaith.center.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025 from 9am until time of service at 11am at Christ Church of Oak Brook, 501 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook, Illinois. A lunch will follow in Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.