Steven Lee "Steve" Jestis

1962 - 2025

Steven Jestis Tolono - Steven "Steve" Lee Jestis, 63, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Born March 23, 1962, in Decatur, he was the son of Richard Lee Jestis and Alice Marie Jestis. He grew up in Decatur and attended Lakeview High School, where he began developing the strong work ethic that would guide his life. At just 15, Steve started working, eventually launching his career in the building-materials industry, a field in which he worked his way up through many roles over the years. He retired in March 2025 as an outside salesperson for Richards Building Supply, proud of the career he created through dedication and persistence. He also devoted time to public service, volunteering with the Mt. Zion Fire Department and the Tolono ESDA. On May 24, 1986, Steve married Cheryl Lynn (Van Rheeden), beginning 39 years of partnership, family and devotion. He is survived by Cheryl and their daughters, Emily (Nolan) Lee of Ivesdale and Kelsey Jestis (Alex Silfer) of Mons, Belgium. His greatest joy in recent years was being Grandpa to his granddaughter, Talulla Lee, whom he lovingly called his "little noodle," and he eagerly anticipated the arrival of her baby sister in February. He is also survived by his siblings, Stan Jestis and Annette Pedro of Decatur. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, mother- and father-in-law and two brothers-in-law. Everyone lucky enough to know Steve will remember him as a kind and generous man who never met a stranger. He was a movie buff, a loyal friend and a man who treasured the closeness of his family above all else. He reached out by phone nearly every day just to check in and remind his wife and girls how much he loved them. He took tremendous pride in his daughters' accomplishments, including the college degrees they earned. Services to celebrate Steve's life will be held at Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, on Dec. 6. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon with the funeral immediately after. There will be no graveside services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Steve's name be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Steve leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work and devotion. He will be deeply missed as a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.