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BORN
1971
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Steven Rockford Obituary
Springfield, IL—Steven J. Rockford, 46, passed away Saturday, July 22, 2017, at his home.
He was born February 8, 1971, to Robert and Barbara (Reynolds) Rockford, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Tammie Coy on September 16, 1995.
Steve was a Special Education teacher for 5 years and former wrestling and football coach at Springfield Southeast High School. He was a member of Calvary Church and an avid Notre Dame fan.
He is survived by his wife, Tammie; children, Madeline, Abigail, Andrew, Elizabeth and Connor; brothers, Michael (Nancy), Thomas (Molly), Robert (Traci), Lawrence (Jean), Jerome, and Daniel (Kim) Rockford; sisters, Paula (Tony) Catalano, Mary Helen (Kevin) Blake and Janet (Thomas) Winkler; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Gathering: 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at Jim Belz Gymnasium at the SHG West Campus, 1325 West Washington Street, Springfield. As a tribute to Steve, all are encouraged to wear Cubs or Notre Dame attire.
Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 26, 2017, at Calvary Church, 501 West Hazel Dell Road, Springfield, Pastor Mark Johnson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: the Steve Rockford Fund c/o Heartland Credit Union, 2213 West White Oaks Drive, Springfield, IL 62704.
"I'll remain grateful, thankful and humble. Don't whine, don't complain, don't make excuses and never, ever quit."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Rockford
Sponsored by VANCIL-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME.
Barbara Montgomery
July 29, 2017
Mr. Rockford will be greatly missed. He was a fighter and will never be forgotten. May God continue to bless and keep you.
Barbara Montgomery
July 26, 2017
Our deepest condolences to the Rockford family,
no doubt Steve has made his mark here on earth, and will always be in our hearts.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
The Dodges...........
Pam Dixon Eck
July 26, 2017
Mike and Family,
Thinking of you and your baby brother A life lived with so much love never really ends. Stevie's memory will go on forever in your hearts. I remember coming over to your house on Weds for "taco night". Little Stevie w/b running around in nothing but a diaper. He was so cute with his towhead blonde hair and those bull legs. He will always be with you. Love to all
Dana & Leslie Ann Dinora
July 26, 2017
Prayers for the entire Rockford family. Steve will be GREATLY missed.
B. J. Jacob
July 26, 2017
Our sincere sympathy on the loss of Steve. Your family is in our hearts and prayers.
Bill Kmett, Sr. & B. J. Jacob
Richard Waters
July 26, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a pretty good friend in High school. We had good times out at Vocational drafting class.
Aunt Midge & Uncle Smoke
July 25, 2017
Tammie & Family,
We are sorry that we could not attend Steve's visitation. We want to send you our love and our condolences.
July 25, 2017
Good Night Coach❤R.I.P
Bill Parker
July 25, 2017
Our condolences to Tammie and all the kids. Steve was a true inspiration to us all. He put up a long ,hard fight. He was a wonderful man and I'm really glad I knew him. You should be proud that he was your husband and father.
July 25, 2017
Our prayers and condolences to the Rockford Family from Trace and Patti Manning
Fadra Birdsell
July 25, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Rockford family. What an inspiration and role model Stevie was!
July 24, 2017
To the entire Rockford family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Amy Knowski
RIP Caveman
Joyce Payne
July 24, 2017
Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss. R.I.P Stevie . Joyce Payne and family
Rod and Judi Coady
July 24, 2017
We are very sorry. Steve will walk with the angels now. You are all in our prayers.
Kelly Smarjesse-Miller
July 24, 2017
So terribly sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He is in a better place. Love to the whole family.
Dana McDonald
July 24, 2017
So sorry for your families loss, your imy thoughts and prayers.
Traci Grandstaff-Stoops
July 24, 2017
Tammie, I am so sorry for your loss and you and the kids are in my prayers. Steve was an amazing person whom I've known for over 30 years.
Cherie O'Neill
July 24, 2017
Tammy, Maddie, Abbie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Steve continues to be a great inspiration to all of us at Southeast High School. He is now our Guardian Angel and he will always be in our hearts. Spartans stand tall and Steve stood the tallest!!
God Bless!
With love, Cherie O'Neill & family
Trish and Jimbo Ashton
July 24, 2017
Our sympathies to you, Paula and Tony Catalano and your brothers family during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Jana, Bobby (Ausmus) Clark
July 24, 2017
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Bonnie Boggs & Family
July 24, 2017
Tammie & Family,
You, Steve, and your entire family have been a great inspiration to all of us. We are praying for your peace and strength in the days ahead. We are sending you our sympathy and our love.
Mile & Joanie Moscardelli
July 23, 2017
So sorry to hear. I have included your family in my prayers
Stacy Wilson
July 23, 2017
Thank you Steve for the love you gave to Emily and I. She said she always thought of you as one of her dads. You were a hero to so many. RIP my friend. Tammie, Maddie and kids, my heart hurts for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers. Stacy Wilson.
The Richards Family
July 23, 2017
May the LORD comfort your family and friends,you will always be a champion Stevie.
Ben Ziogas
July 23, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.
God bless you Coach.
Chris Hood
July 23, 2017
Carrie Shoemaker
July 23, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
July 23, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sadness.
Condolences
The Spain Family
Tami (Burgess) Spain: LHS'89
Megan Spain: Capitol City Krush'15
Elaine Miller
July 23, 2017
Tammie, I was saddened by the news of Steve's death. I know he will be missed and yours lives will never be the same. God Bless you all.
Lance & Marilyn Davsko
July 23, 2017
To the Rockford family; Marilyn & I want to wish you our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Steve to this dreaded disease. We know first hand what the past five or so years have been for you. Please except our condolences as we cannot be there for his celebration of life, but will keep him in our prayers
July 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you all.
Mark, Kolleen and Lexie Yockey
Amy Kmett
July 22, 2017
To the Rockford Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Steve is in heaven watching over you guys now. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larissa (Lornitis) & Bill Mitchell
July 22, 2017
R.I.P. Stevie
Debby Lantz
July 22, 2017
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Being around your family for several years is something I will never forget.
Thinking of you all and miss all the good times I enjoyed with the Rockford family over the years.
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