Steven E. "Steve" Holden

Steven (Steve) Edward Holden, 61, died on June 7, 2025, in Oak Lawn, Illinois from pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his loving family. He bravely fought his illness for several months before succumbing to this horrible disease. While on hospice, many friends and family members came to see him, sharing how he had positively impacted their lives.
Steve is survived by his wife Joy, and beloved children Benjamin, Melanie (Andy), Stephen and Colleen. He was also the cherished brother of Mike (deceased), Keith (Tammy), Randy (Nancy), and Melissa (Gary) and brother-in-law to John D. Canaday. He was the loving son in law of John and Violet (deceased) Canaday; uncle to Josiah, Kevin (Isabella), Emma, Ethan; great uncle to Layne.
Steve was born on December 14, 1963, in Oak Lawn, Illinois to Ronald and Gertrude (deceased) Holden. Steve spent most of his life living in the Chicago suburbs. He graduated from Carl Sandburg High School in 1982. He worked a handful of odd jobs before working at Second Time Around Furniture, a local business specializing in repairing and refinishing wood furniture. In 1993, Steve went from employee to business owner, a title he held for over 30 years. He took great pride in taking pieces that were chipped and faded and giving them a new life. His clients regularly praised his ability to turn a chair or dresser from an eyesore into a charming addition to their home. There is now an abundance of places throughout the south Chicago suburbs with a hint of the beauty that he and his employees created.
Steve was a man of deep faith whose devotion to Jesus was evident through his service to Ridgeland Church (formerly, Oak Lawn First Church of the Nazarene). Over the course of three decades, he served in numerous capacities: board member, missionary president and Sunday school superintendent. In recent years, he continued to serve God as a sound and technology coordinator. He stepped into this role with limited knowledge, but quickly became an integral part of every worship service. He was a dedicated member of the church community and was always among the first to volunteer when a need arose.
He met his wife Joy while they were both serving the church. The two married in 1994 and were blessed to have 30 wonderful years together.
Steve will be greatly missed by his family, church community and the many people who were lucky enough to know him. His loved ones take great comfort in knowing that he has been given new life in heaven with his beloved Jesus and those who have gone before him.
Visitation Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 3 P.M. to 8 P.M. at Lack and Sons Funeral Home, 9236 South Roberts Road, Hickory Hills. Family and friends to meet Thursday, June 12, 2025, directly at Ridgeland Church, 6343 West 90th Place, Oak Lawn, for 10 A.M. Service; Interment Fairmount Willow Hills Memorial Park. Information 708-430-5700.