Kathleen A. (Sullivan) Steberl

Kathleen “Kathy” Steberl, née Sullivan, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, at her home in Geneva, Illinois, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 5, 1958, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin, Kathy grew up in Adams, where she and her husband Joseph Steberl built a life together as the owners of the Friendship Bar and Bowl. In 1994, she began a nearly 30-year career with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, retiring in 2023 after decades of dedicated public service.

Kathy had a deep passion for family history and spent countless hours researching ancestry, preserving stories, and helping others discover their roots. She served on the board of the Kane County Genealogical Society. She also loved traveling with Joe, especially on their motorcycle adventures, riding to rallies, exploring small towns, and sharing the open road together.

Her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She proudly watched her daughter play softball and grandson play baseball, and she found deep fulfillment supporting the arts alongside her son. More than anything, Kathy believed in the power of family, both the one you’re born into and the one you build along the way. Her home was a haven for friends, friends of her children, and loved ones who came to know her simply as “Ma.” She made everyone feel like they belonged.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Joseph Steberl of Geneva, Illinois; her children and their spouses, Stephen “Stefin” (Joseph Erbentraut) Steberl of Batavia, Illinois and Shana (Jorge) Baeza of Aurora, Illinois; and her grandchildren, Trenton Tyler, David Baeza, and Elena Baeza. She is also survived by her siblings, Patricia (Peter) Warns of Apple Valley, Minnesota, John Sullivan of Adams, Wisconsin, her twin brother Michael (Ann) Sullivan of Madison, Wisconsin, and Vicki (Jeffrey) Danklefsen of Geneva, Illinois; her godchildren; and a wide circle of family and chosen family who will carry her memory forward. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolores Sullivan.

She will be remembered for her storytelling, generosity, fierce loyalty, and the way she showed up for her people. Kathy lived with heart and left behind a legacy of connection…

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fox Valley Preservation Partners at https://www.ppfv.org/give

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements handled by Malone Funeral Home in Geneva.  For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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