Steven M "Motor" Simotes

Obituary of Steven M Simotes
Steven M. Simotes
Age 54, of Rockdale, IL, passed away unexpectedly on February 1, 2025 at his home. He was born May 30, 1970, in Joliet, IL, to John and Betty Lou (Leonard) Simotes. Steve was raised in Joliet and remained a life-long area resident. He married Michelle Lynn Phelan on March 17, 1995, thus, making St. Patrick's Day forever special to them.
Steve, affectionately known by long-time friends as "Motor", enjoying more than anything, working on cars and especially took great pleasure in rebuilding and restoring his pride and joy, his 1973 Pontiac GTO. When he wasn't in the garage he enjoyed working on puzzles. He finished an 8,000 piece puzzle in 5 months while also working a full-time job. You could catch Steve watching NASCAR on Sundays alongside his wife and friends rooting for his favorite drivers, #5 Kyle Larson and #9 Chase Elliot. Above all of Steve's many hobbies, cars, puzzles, NASCAR, solving the Rubik's Cube, and frisbee golf, he was best known for his one-liners, jokes on command, and his ability to make everybody laugh.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Michelle; two sons, Shawn Simotes of Newton, KS and Austin Simotes of Rockdale, IL.; daughter, Brandy (Drew) Thompson of New Port Richey, FL; parents, John and Betty Lou of Joliet, IL; Parents-in-law, Dan "Sully" and Shery Sullivan of Joliet, IL; brother, John (Michelle) Simotes of Winder, GA; sister-in-law, Carrie Phelan (Randy Reavis) of Minooka, IL; brother-in-law, Keith (Rachel) Phelan of Wilmington, IL.; nephews and nieces, Jason (Taylor) Simotes of Auburn, GA, Nichole (Blake) Mahaffey of Bethlehem, GA, Jonathan McCaughn of Braidwood, IL, Hayden and Shannon McCaughn of Minooka, IL, Matthew and Michael Phelan of Wilmington, IL.; and special friend of over 40 years, Tim (Melissa) Gaspar of Elwood, IL.
Preceded in death by his father-in-law, Gerald "Jerry" Phelan and mother-in-law, Vicky Hinich Phelan.
All friends and relatives are invited to gather from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. A service of remembrance will conclude the afternoon, beginning at 4 p.m.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.