He was born on Aug. 18, 1946, in Dixon, the son of James and Gertrude (Goy) Kelly.
Steve worked for Shipert Moving and Storage, owned and operated Nusbaum Transfer and Storage, and then worked for IDOT prior to his retirement. He was a graduate of the Dixon High School Class of 1964, a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon, a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Vietnam War, and a member of the VFW, American Legion, and Dixon Elks Club. In his retirement, he and his wife, Sue, enjoyed traveling. He was also a dog lover and enjoyed traveling around town with his dogs.
Steve married Susan Blackburn Heston on May 1, 1992, in Lake Tahoe, Calif. She preceded him in death on Dec. 18, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, David Kelly and Richard Buckley; and his sisters, Jane Baxter and Joyce Anderson.
Steve is survived by his daughters, Stephanie (Keith) Webb of Polo, Sara (Jeff) Faley of Dixon, and Erin (Ron) Colby of Dixon; six grandchildren, Austin (Casi) Webb, Brady Webb, Carson Faley, Avery Faley, Jack Dempsey, and Grace Dempsey; two great-grandchildren, Theo and Cecilia Webb; his brother, Bill (Sandy) Kelly of Dixon; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation rites have been accorded, with a celebration of life and burial at Oakwood Cemetery with military honors to take place at a later date.
Arrangements were completed by the Jones Funeral Home in Dixon.
