Stephen Tomlin
PEORIA — Stephen Alan Tomlin, 65, of Peoria, passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on October 6, 2018. He was born on April 5, 1953 in Peoria to Donald L. & Winifred (Tobin) Tomlin. He married Patricia (Coffey) Tomlin on January 4, 1975. She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Amanda Borho (Jason) of Lombard, Illinois, and Elizabeth DiLeonardi (Sean) of Durham, North Carolina; one son, Daniel Tomlin (Marguerite) of Davenport, Iowa; seven grandchildren: Gabriella, Luke, Jake and Kate Borho, Rocco and Olive DiLeonardi, and Anthony Tomlin; four sisters, Susan Schupp and Carol Dossett, both of Chillicothe, Illinois, Joyce Hasselberger (Jeff) of Elgin, Illinois, Theresa Tomlin of Peoria, and Mary Cooper of Buffalo Grove, Illinois; three brothers, Michael Tomlin (Jan) of Sparland, Illinois, Mark Tomlin (Antoinette) of Northbrook, Illinois, and Patrick Tomlin (Lisa) of Heyworth, Illinois; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ray and Becky (Coffey) Eberle of Peoria, sister-in-law Mary (Waughop) Coffey of Marquette Heights, Illinois; one aunt, Elizabeth (Lammers) Tobin of Peoria; and 24 nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Steve grew up in Chillicothe, Illinois, where he graduated from St. Edward's Grade School. He was a 1971 graduate of Spalding Institute and a 1975 graduate of Illinois State University. Steve was a news photographer for Midwest Television (WMBD) for 17 years. He was a State of Illinois employee for 27 years, in the Departments of Employment Security, Human Services, and most recently Guardianship and Advocacy. For many years, Steve was a freelance photographer whose work was featured on ESPN and other networks.
Steve's family was the love and center of his life. He coached many of the youth sports teams on which his children participated. Having been an active Boy Scout in his youth, he became active in the St. Philomena Boy Scout troop as an adult volunteer. Those scouting skills enabled him to enjoy canoeing the Boundary Waters several times and join his brothers in hiking the Grand Canyon National Park "rim to rim" in 2005. Family vacations in Wisconsin were an event he looked forward to and planned in great detail. He ensured that his family had everything needed for a good time, including learning to fish and water ski, making memories for a lifetime.
Steve was an avid Cubs fan and realized his dream of spending a few days at Spring Training in 2015 with his brother and sister. He enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play catch in the Wrigley Field outfield during Family Day this summer. He enjoyed photography and documented countless family events and vacations with his videos and photographs. At age 10, Steve participated in the Brothers' Bowling Tournament and bowled in that tournament for 45 consecutive years. Steve was a member and past officer of the St. Philomena Men's Club and was a participant in the Catholic Men's Golf League for over 10 years. He was also a friend and supporter of the Christ Child Society. Steve was a loving husband, always attentive to doing whatever needed to be done around the house. He was supportive of his wife's career and personal interests. Together, they cherished pilgrimages with the Community of St. John to Greece, Ephesus, France, and Italy. Steve loved others selflessly and made time to care for his elderly relatives as needs arose over the years.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, at St. Philomena Catholic Church. Fr. John Luke, CSJ officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at St. Philomena Church with a Rosary at 8:00 pm. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.
The family would like to thank Dr. Justin Fischer and the staff at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Colleen and Michelle at Rush University Medical Center, Denise and Greg of Unity Point Hospice and Jennifer and Darrel of Unity Point Home Health for the TLC imparted during Steve's illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community of St. John or St. Philomena Catholic Church

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Oct. 7 to Oct. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Tomlin

11 Entries

Lynn Dempsey

October 5, 2020

As the Class of 1971 plans their 50th class reunion, we think of you, Steve, and the others we have lost. We will never forget the part you played in all of our lives. God bless!

Ken Mueller

October 28, 2018

Pat and family. I was a classmate of yours at SI Class of 71. I found Steve to be a quiet determined individual who had an extremely strong sense about himself. He characterized this trait on the wrestling match where he was feared by many with his quickness and uncanny strength. I watched him meld into the SI community as a student from Chilli which seemed to be somewhat difficult but he did it. I witnessed his work at WMBD and last ran into him way back in mid to late 70s near his home at the time off N University I think. Steve was a very good guy who made all around him welcome as I recall. Pat I am sorry for your loss as your obit speaks the world about Steve. Peace and comfort to you and your family.

Warm Regards
Ken Mueller
Scottsdale Az

Allen and Becky Beecher

October 12, 2018

Steve was truly a great man. He was always helping a co-worker, friend, and neighbor. He would drop what he was doing to help another. He was a good father, grandfather,and husband. He was a religious man who always lived by his faith. May he rest in peace and his family be consoled by memories. He will be so very missed by all.

Todd Schupp

October 10, 2018

I always knew Steve as very energetic and always with a smile. He always had a very comfortable manor about him that I could sense as anyone else. He was truly a very good man as the obit indicates. wow I cant say anything more than what everybody else already knows. Only the good die young or so I hear and I think Steve went to soon however with all the accomplishments He made in life maybe his dance card was full. If the good die young you can expect to see me for a long time and my obit will probably be written on a bubble gum wrapper. So long my friend and enjoy your next journey.

Sr. Mary Dries

October 9, 2018

Dear Pat,

I was so sorry to read on-line of Steve's death, and I offer you and your family my sincere sympathy. He was such a good man. I remember well how he would gift us Sisters at St. Phil's with a delicious meal made by him every now and then! We loved whatever he made!
May God grant Steve eternal happiness, and may He give you peace.
Sincerely,
Sr. Mary Dries

Michael and Mary Aitken

October 9, 2018

Patricia. We are extremely sorry to hear about Steve. He was an amazing guy. Always a nice thing to say every time we saw him. He was family. We hope good things for your family in the future. He was loved. Mike and Mary.

Kelly Jackson

October 9, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Tomlin was such a wonderful man. I work in a DHS office below the public aid office so we would often see him. He always was so kind and had a smile on his face. What a loss here but such a gain in heaven!

Kelli Engelbrecht

October 9, 2018

So sorry to hear of his illness and passing. I worked with him at DHS. Always willing to help and always had a smile. He was a wonderful man!

Gia Orr

October 9, 2018

I am grateful for the time Mr. Tomlin spent with our agency, IL Guardianship and Advocacy Commission. May the memories comfort each and every family member, friend, colleague, teammate, player and more.

With condolences,
Gia Orr
IGAC

Theresa Aten

October 9, 2018

Pat and Family,

May God give you...For every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise, and an answer for each prayer.

Thinking of you at this time.

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