Steven E. Tegeler, age 68, of Rock Falls, IL, passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, October 13, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.
Steven was born March 19, 1957, in Morrison, IL, the son of Paul and Irma (Tiesman) Tegeler. As a child, Steve enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad and loved riding dirt bikes. He graduated from Morrison High School on 1975, where he held awards in Track and was involved in Football and Basketball. Steve was a volunteer member of the Whiteside County Mounted Patrol, where he served proudly for ten years. He married Elisabeth (Davies) Tegeler on October 21, 2000. Their journey–which would have marked a quarter-century of their loving partnership–will forever be cherished.
Steve was a dedicated employee at Timken, where he worked as a Tool and Die Maker for 47 years. His life was filled with many side quests that kept him busy. He was in a Bowling league for many years, where he was a member of the 700 Club, with many 300-point games. In his free time he enjoyed camping, where he played rolle bolle with friends; fishing; playing the guitar. He was an avid Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks fan. He attended many of his grandchildrens’ sports and school events. Steve and his best friend, his Great Dane, Benny, enjoyed many jeep rides together.
He is survived by his wife, Elisabeth Tegeler of Rock Falls; children, Jenny (Nathan) Anderson of Morrison, IL, Mathew (Lacey) Tegeler of Morrison, and Jackie (Scott Gifford) Tegeler of Albany, IL; stepdaughter, Missi Jo (Lyle) Armstrong; stepson, Scott Middleton; stepmother, Dona Tegeler of Morrison; two brothers, Craig (Regina) Tiesman of Fulton and Donny (Joy) Tegeler of Morrison; stepsisters, Diana (John) Ericson of NC and Mary (Stan) Buckwalter of Morrison; stepbrother, Steve “Mo” Miller of Mt. Carrol, IL; nine grandchildren, Keegan Anderson, Alex Anderson, Brady Anderson, Isaiah Hume, Kenzie Hume, Eva Gifford, Paisley Tegeler, Brinley Tegeler, and Jozey Tegeler; three step-grandchildren, Sami Deyo, Allie Deyo, and Paige Morales.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Joe Tiesman; stepbrother, Jeff Tiesman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Prophet Hills Country Club, Prophetstown, IL, on November 22, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.