Steven E. Mahan

Steven E. Mahan, died at age 72 in his home with his family by his side on November 28, 2016, following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer.  He was born to Regina Fitzpatrick and Jerome “Pete” Mahan on March 16, 1944.  He grew up with two younger sisters, Marjorie (Dennis) Carroll and Rosemary (Terry) Olszewski.  He fondly recalled playing baseball with long-time childhood friends from his neighborhood (and later raced cars with them, too!).

After graduating from St. Thomas High School, Steve earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and later a master’s in Counseling at NIU.  During this time, he went on a blind date (babysitting, nevertheless) with E. Leslie Kurth and they were engaged three months later.  They got married January 20, 1968, and were married for 48 wonderful years.

Steve had two daughters, Kyra (Kevin) Larson and Kerri (Brian) Murray.  He delighted his six grandchildren, Morgan, Madison, and Malcolm Larson, and Seamus, Sean, and Maggie Murray, with his sense of fun and corny jokes (such as: What did the number zero say to the number eight? Nice Belt!).  Often, he even shared these jokes with anyone who would listen.

He also cherished his relationships with his niece Katie; nephews, Jacob, Paul, and Mark; and many special friends.

Over the years, Steve enjoyed many different jobs, but repeatedly said that he saved the best for last: Principal of Froberg Elementary School.  He enjoyed working with both the staff and children, particularly the daily assembly featuring the “Word of the Day” and dressing up for Halloween.

He took up many different hobbies and was never scared to try new things.  He played guitar, sang (although off key), took tap dancing and drum lessons, and began painting.  A passion was music and the arts, but he also golfed, played and coached tennis (Rockford College Mens and Jefferson High School Girls), and downhill skied.  He loved old cars, driving, racing, and restoring them. 

As best he could, he would “pay it forward” and “overtip his waitress,” along with having conversations to learn about other people and cultures. 

Up to the very end he was discussing politics, telling jokes with a chuckle, and giving “fist bumps” to his family and friends.  He would especially have wanted to thank Dr. Tabraiz Mohammed (and his staff) for his care and friendship. 

Services are Saturday, December 3, 2016, 2:00pm, at the Unitarian Church, 4848 Turner Street, Rockford, Illinois, with reception to follow around 4:00pm at Forest Hills Lodge, 1601 West Lane Road, Loves Park, Illinois.  He always loved a good party!!

In lieu of flowers, please consider overtipping your waitress or paying it forward to honor his giving spirit. Memorial Contributions can be made to the Artists' Emsemble. P.O. Box 1684 Rockford, Illinois 61110. Arrangements provided by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 North Mulford Road, Loves Park.

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