Steven T. Kaiser

Steven T. Kaiser, age 84, of Payson, IL, peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 1:11 a.m. in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was born on January 25, 1942 in Quincy, a son of Marion and Alice Thompson Kaiser. On September 1, 1962, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Maiers. She survives.

Steve was the oldest of four children, and he enjoyed being the big brother supporting them in their lives. Steve was a 1960 graduate of Payson Seymour High School. He excelled in sports, and he set the high scoring school record in basketball which was unbroken for many years. He was inducted into the Payson Hall of Fame honoring his basketball career. Steve went on to play basketball at Culver Stockton College.

Steve started farming with his dad, Marion, in 1962. Steve's brother, Stuart Kaiser, joined Steve and Marion in 1976, and with trusted hired hand, Rodney Kinder, expanded the operation which officially became S&S Kaiser Farms in 1998. They were later joined in the operation by Steve's nephew, Tim Maiers. Steve worked diligently and relentlessly to care for the land, crops, and livestock which has built a legacy for future generations.

After his father passed away, Steve served as the patriarch of the extended Kaiser family which had many fond memories getting together "on the farm". Steve was a lifelong farmer who raised crops and hogs for more than 60 years. He even operated the combine and harvested in the fall of 2025 at age 83. He was held in high regard by his fellow farmers and others in the ag community, where he served on several boards, including FS and Farm Bureau. He was known for his progressive farming practices and conservation of the land. Steve had a talent for fixing anything and embraced technology even in his later years, always looking for ways to make improvements to the farm operation. Steve appreciated God's creation and took his role as a steward seriously.

Steve was a faithful and active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where he served as elder. Steve will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, who was always present and always supported his family.

In addition to his wife, Carolyn, Steve is survived by two children: Scott (Jackie) Kaiser of Lexington, IL and Katie (Jerry) Thomure of Payson, IL; seven grandchildren: Kelsey (fiancée, Jeremy Eakin) Kaiser of Winter Garden, FL, Mackenzie (Austin) Peden of Bloomington, IL, Lauryn Hinthorne of Kansas City, MO, Jairyn (fiancée, Lucas Loos) Hinthorne of Payson, IL, Kase Thomure of Payson, IL, Katherine E. Thomure of Hannibal, MO, and Max Thomure of Kansas City, MO; two great-grandchildren: Isla Peden of Bloomington, IL and Carter Camden of Ashland, MO; three siblings: Susie (Tom) Burgin of Saugatuck, MI, Stuart (Janet) Kaiser of Payson, IL, Sarah (Tim) Corrigan of Quincy; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home and 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Rev. Martin Eden officiating.

Burial: Bluff Hall Cemetery, Payson, IL

Memorials: Blessing Cancer Center or Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Memorial donations may be made online at: https://memorials.hansenspear.com/.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.