Steven Wilkey Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven Robert Wilkey (76), a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Born April 6th, 1948 in Elgin IL. and relocating to Joliet IL. He passed peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

Steve attended Joliet West high school and worked at S.S.Kresge before serving his country in the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran.

Steve met his wife Nancy Peterson (54 yrs together) while working together at S.S. Kresge and he knew it wouldn't be long before their friendship would blossom into more. They were married in July of 1969 and the rest… was history. Soon after they married, Steve was sent overseas to Vietnam. With much delight, Steve and Nancy were blessed with the arrival of their first (very strong willed) daughter Julie in July of 1970 and 7 years later, in 1977, their beautiful daughter Lisa arrived!

Steve would return home from Vietnam and continue to work and raise his family with his wife Nancy. Steve spent many years as a corporate manager with S. S. Kresge which allowed him the ability to transfer to many different locations within the United States. Steve eventually returned home to Joliet, IL. He worked for his father in law in the Water Softening arena, He and his wife owned and operated a White Hen Pantry, and he also managed a local store in town where he met and made many friends and acquaintances

Steve enjoyed chatting and sharing stories with everyone he met. Steve was always the life of the party with friends and family. Steve would enjoy many laughs throughout the years celebrating all holidays and birthdays with family. Everyone loved Grandpa Steve! Whether Steve was planning vacations to their next destination with his wife Nancy, sharing in a craft beer that his Grandson Michael brought for him, Enjoying solving puzzles on Wheel of fortune or playing couch quarterback with the Bears or Chiefs with his daughter Julie (she could never get his interest to switch over to hockey), Watching the Food network or sharing smoothies with his daughter Lisa, Telling crazy stories with his nephews, nieces, sisters and brother in laws,he always made sure everyone was having fun! Steve appreciated his visits with his Father Bob (who always made sure their yard was left in a meticulous manner before he left), his visits with his Mother Barbara, and his conversations with his Sisters Mariannne and Barbarann.

Steve enjoyed traveling with his family throughout his life. Their favorite destination annually was Florida. Steve could not escape Disney, Lake Buena Vista, or Busch Gardens (Zambezi Zinger room) without having the time of his life and capturing memories for a lifetime. Steve and his family would travel to visit family in Colorado and New Mexico and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains and clear stream fishing for rainbow trout with his brother in law and daughters. He also got to travel with his family to the "Big Apple" New York City while visiting family there as well. He and Nancy would travel to Vegas and enjoy relaxing cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Steve traveled throughout his life with work and pleasure with family!

Steve also had a deep love for his many cats (especially his daughters Cat Dallas), his dog and Good Boy Barkley, his grand puppies Bella, Brandi, and Beau (his favorite buddy and constant protector till the end),

Steve entertained us all with his hearty laughter and shenanigans, he will be deeply missed! May his spirit of playfulness and kindness live on and continue to blossom in our hearts forever!

Steve is survived by: Nancy Wilkey (nee Peterson) his forever companion of 54 yrs.

Daughter, Julie Wilkey (Kruder); Daughter, Lisa Ales (Jason Ales); Grandson,Michael Negus; Sister, Barbara Studer; Sister, Marrianne Wilkey; Father in law, Earl Peterson; Sister & Brother in law, Judy Herron (Doug Herrn); Sister & Brother in law, Theresa Roder (Marc Roder); Sister in law, Julie Peterson; Sister in law, Donna Fairfield; Nieces, Jordan, Ashley, Cassie; Nephews, Paul, Chris, Dennis, Jacob, Christopher; Constant companion and man's best friend, Beau (daughter Julie's dog).

Preceded by: Mother, Barbara Mazzucco (Victor Mazzucco); Father, Robert Wilkey; Brother, David Wilkey; Grandmother, Edna Pahlke (Grandma-Tiny); Mother In Law, Theresa Peterson; Brother in law, Ken Peterson; Brother in law, David Peterson.

A celebration of life will be held by his daughter Julie Wilkey (Kruder) at a later date.