Steven Michael Starr

Steven Michael Starr, age 60, of Thomson, IL, passed away September 5, 2023, with his family by his side. A private family visitation will be held with a public graveside service, to follow, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Lower York Cemetery in Thomson. A celebration of life will then follow at Triple Play Bowling and Banquet, in Fulton, IL.

Steve was born on December 1, 1962, in Savanna, IL, the son of Kenneth and Arlene (Potter) Starr. He lived his entire life in Thomson, graduating from Thomson High School in 1980. He married the love of his life, Terry Ann Edwards. They were married for 27 years.

Steve’s life was filled with years of hard work, beginning in grade school, when he began working in the fields for McGinnis Melon Market. Steve’s love for the farm lasted his entire life, as he still took great pride in delivering melons and pumpkins throughout the area until his final weeks. Steve followed in his family’s footsteps by working at Detterman’s Industries in Camanche, alongside his father and two brothers, from 1983-1993. Steve began working at Alliant Energy in 1993 and later retired from there in 2019. Steve also spent several years working at other local businesses, including York Township and Erickson Paving.

Even in his time off, Steve was a hard worker. He spent many years cutting wood for himself and others in the area. He was always the first to lend a hand to others when they needed help. Steve spent many years maintaining a pool in his yard, simply for the enjoyment of others. While he was rarely in the pool himself, he spent hours each week in the summers monitoring and maintaining the pool. He loved hosting cookouts and pool parties for his family and friends.

While Steve held many titles throughout his career, his most valued titles included “Dad” and “Granddad”. He loved spending time with his family, which often involved taking his grandkids fishing, taking rides looking for deer, or watching his beloved Chicago Cubs. Steve was responsible for teaching many of the youngsters in his family how to drive and how to properly wear their baseball caps. He always had wild stories to tell for the little kids in his life.

Steve thoroughly enjoyed spending time in his garage with friends, which often led to lengthy card games. Those around him could always count on hearing Steve’s opinion on any subject that was being discussed. Steve also enjoyed watching NASCAR races, Dallas Cowboy games, or University of Illinois sporting events, all while enjoying his favorite ice-cold beer. Perhaps one of his favorite activities was listening to music, as he could often be found watching old rock and roll videos on his computer. Steve was a special man who loved to joke with others. He had a kind and generous spirit, which will live on through his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Steve is survived by his son, Nick (Danika) Starr of Lanark, IL; grandchildren, Kamden Starr, Daltyn Starr, Tynlee Starr, and Brekkin Starr; brother, Richard (Kay) Shear of Thomson, IL; sisters, Cheryl Temple of Clinton, IA, Cathy (Marv) Green of Argo Fay, IL, and Theresa (Chas) Hermann of Naples, FL; sister-in-law, Linda Starr of Thomson; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; and many other beloved family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Arlene Starr; his brother, Randy Starr; his sister, Kimberly Starr; and his brother-in-law, Rusty Edwards.