Steven M. Ellison

ROCKFORD- Steven Marshall "Steve" Ellison, age 81, of Rockford and formerly of Freeport, IL passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Friday, September 19, 2025. Born March 10, 1944 in Rockford, son of Marshall K. and Doris M. Ellison (Finley). Steve was a graduate of Rockford University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He also attended the University of Illinois in Chicago for two years. Over the years, he pursued additional professional training, including Lean Enterprise Training through the Lean Enterprise Institute at the University of Tennessee, as well as numerous courses in sales and operations planning and lean-focused kaizen events. He was a Certified Accredited Small Business Consultant (ASBC) and an active member of the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants, always seeking to expand his knowledge and share it with others. Over the course of his career, he held leadership roles across several companies and industries. He began his professional journey with Furst-McNess Company in Freeport, Illinois, where he served for more than a decade as Director of Operations and Vice President of Operations, providing direction for multiple manufacturing plants. He later became Vice President of Operations and Plant Manager at Display Craft, Inc. in Rockford, Illinois, before moving on to HCC, Inc. in Mendota, Illinois, where he advanced through positions as Materials Manager, Manufacturing Manager, and Vice President of Manufacturing. He went on to serve as General Manager of SPG International in Freeport, Illinois, overseeing operations for a global material handling company, and later as Regional Manager for WFQ, Inc. in Canton, Michigan, managing quality assurance support for the automotive industry. Earlier in his career, he also worked with Marion Health and Safety in Rockford, Washington Inventory Service in Rockford, and as a middle school teacher with Winnebago Community Unit District 323. Beyond his professional life, Steve was deeply devoted to his community. He was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Rockford, where his energy and kindness left a lasting mark in a short time. Since joining in 2022, he served on numerous committees, including Budding Artists, Budget and Financial Oversight, Endowment, Higher Education, and as Chair of the Program Committee. He also served on the Board of Directors as President-Elect, attended Division 12 meetings, and represented the club at District Conventions. Steve was never afraid to roll up his sleeves, whether volunteering with Salvation Army bell ringing, Book Buddies, mum and kettle corn sales, or supporting the Key Club bake sales-always the highest bidder and always generous. He and Cathleen even opened their home to host the Kiwanis Christmas party, creating a space filled with warmth and laughter. His contributions were recognized with the Diamond Jubilee Award for outstanding service, but perhaps more than his accomplishments, what people will remember most is his smile as he welcomed others at the door of each meeting, his thoughtful questions, his sincerity in supporting programs for children, and the joy he brought to every gathering. He was also very involved in raising awareness for Alzheimer's research as an active volunteer with the Alzheimer's Association of America, he loved being a Cubmaster for Cub Scouts Pack 409 at Bloom Elementary School, within the Blackhawk Area Council, coaching Little League baseball in Rockford, and cheering passionately for the Chicago Bears. Steve enjoyed fishing, golf, and often reflected fondly on the days of playing basketball at West High. Yet beyond all of his professional achievements and community service, Steve's greatest joy was found in his family. He was not only a devoted husband and loving father, but also a proud grandfather, brother, son, uncle, and friend. In each of these roles, he gave of himself fully. He was protective, generous, and always present with a warm smile, words of encouragement, and his ever present room-filling laughter. His family was the true measure of his life, and it was within their joy, milestones, and everyday moments that he found his deepest fulfillment. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Cathleen J. Ellison (Hopp). Children: Tria Belcourt, Emily (Brian) Doherty, Matthew (Dolores) Shoemaker, Annie Rice, Delilah Ellison, Joshua (Kristy) Shoemaker, Julia (Jason Baldridge) Shoemaker, and Nicholas (Jordan Pontnack) Ellison. Grandchildren: Rowan & Ashlyn Belcourt; Alexandria Horton, Ahna & Aiden Doherty; Connor, Ella, Cain & Aria Shoemaker; TorriAnne & Austin Rice; Alexis & Jordan Shoemaker; Emma & Evan Baldridge; and Carter, Cooper, Chance & Camryn Ellison. Great grandchildren: LaiAhna, Jayce, Austin Jr., Oaklynn, Bentley and Wrenley. Sisters: Christine (Richard) Estes and Barbara Stevens. Sister-in-law: Christy (Chuck) Kniess. Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Last but certainly not least, his beloved grand dog, Izzy. He is predeceased by his parents, Marshall & Doris (Finley) Ellison; sisters, Sandra & Penny Ellison; and brother, Richard "Dick" Ellison. Funeral Services in honor of Steve are scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 5:00 pm at the Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3rd Avenue, Rockford, with visitation from 3:00 pm until the time of service at 5:00 pm. Cremation rites accorded. Private Interment at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery, Rockford. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Kiwanis Club of Rockford – kiwanisclubofrockford.com or Ronald McDonald House Charities, Madison - rmhcmadison.org www.rockfordfunerals.com