Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Steven Mendonsa Obituary
Steve was born in Santa Cruz, California, on Jan. 15, 1948. He was the son of John Mendonsa and Doris (Francis) Tritz.
He graduated from North Salinas High School in 1966 and joined the U.S. Navy Reserves out of Monterey, California, in 1967. From 1968 to 1970 he had two tours of duty in Vietnam and Korea, sailing aboard the USS Higbee DD806 as both a sonarman and supply petty officer for the weapons division. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars, the Armed Forces Expedition Medal and was eligible for the Silver Star Banner.
After the Navy, Steve moved to the Quad Cities and was the parts manager for Long MFG for three years. In 1973 he became a car salesman for Mills Chevrolet and later Warren Chevrolet.
Steve married Debbie Blubaugh (Littlefield) in 1976 and they had two beautiful daughters, Danielle Reid and Dana (John) O'Connor. The family moved to Galesburg in 1978, where Steve became the general manager for Town & Country Dodge. In 1980 he began his career as an insurance salesman. He worked for the Dredge Insurance Agency, the Miller Dredge Agency and for 30 years for Chuck Hay Insurance, which later became Porter Hay Insurance.
Steve was a member of the Knight of Columbus, the American Legion, the Galesburg Home Builders and the Weekenders Golf League.
He is survived by his daughters, Danielle and Dana; four grandchildren, Bryce and Seth Reid and Liam and Molly O'Connor; and the love of his life for 17 years, Kathy Johnson, along with her children, Christian Templeton, Anthony Templeton, Noelle Thompson, Camille Johnson and Kaman Johnson, and all her grandchildren.
Steve loved life, family and making people smile!! He will be greatly missed by all.
Cremation will be accorded following a private family service with military rights. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made payable to Honor Flight. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Mendonsa
Sponsored by Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg.
6 Entries
John Dredge
June 13, 2020
Last saw Steve in the Fall - good to catch up. I remember his girls were about the same age as my sons and we would meet up Saturday mornings at the insurance agency - they played while we attended to business. Steve always had a positive outlook - he will be missed
Tina and Brooke Benedict
June 12, 2020
Sending our thoughts and prayers for Peace to the family. Danielle was a neighbor of ours when the boys were growing up. We always enjoyed seeing Steve visit and loved talking with him. Such a GREAT guy with a wonderful smile! Thinking of you D. HUGE hugs and Love. So very sorry
Richard Corben
June 12, 2020
First I would like say what a talent Steve was ,always ready to be the first online with any problem he could help to solve and I believe he never met a stranger , just a friend he didn't know yet. I was very pleased to call him my friend , I will miss and think of him often. I was lucky beyond words to have him touch my families lives .. I hope to share his infectious spirit again on the other side
Joann Snyder
June 12, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family.
Steve was truly a great and funny guy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
jim mcleese ( Luke )
June 12, 2020
remember steve and kathy coming into the store and he always came up with a hand shake and hey hey amigo, nicest guy you would want to meet he will be sadly missed i will miss not seeing him at the stores, so sorry for your loss this is a sad day
Chuck Ross
June 12, 2020
Danielle, Dana and Family, over the years Steve and I worked together on various committees and knew many of the same people. He was always very friendly and willing to help whenever possible. He will be missed by many. May God comfort you in these hard times. With sincere prayers and condolences, Chuck
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Steven Mendonsa's name
Memorial Events
for Steven Mendonsa
Funeral services provided by:
Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory - Galesburg1849 N Seminary St, Galesburg, IL 61401
How to support Steven's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Steven Mendonsa's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
