Stephen G. “Steve” Heilemann, age 78, of Bartlett, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield with his loving family by his side.
He was born July 24, 1943, in Evanston, the son of Donald and Helen (Greene) Heilemann.
Steve grew up in Sunset Park on Elgin's west side and graduated from Elgin High in 1961 taking courses at ECC before heading south to SIU to complete his degrees in Business and Photography. Prior to receiving his diploma, his orders to report to Army Boot Camp arrived which led to a tour of duty in Vietnam.
During the Tet Offensive in Nha Trang where Steve was stationed, he and a fellow combat photographer grabbed their cameras to rush out of their barracks to document the attack on their base. As they ran toward danger, the soldier at Steve's side was struck by a bullet and died instantly. Steve never forgot about the soldier's greatest sacrifice and felt he owed him a debt of gratitude for surviving the attack. Steve's family honors the memory of Army Specialist 4 Marcello (Mark) James Lofaro and his service to our country.
After Steve was honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to Elgin and his twin girls who were born when Steve was in boot camp. Steve then worked in Sales and Marketing first for a record company and then for new home sales which became his lifelong vocation. He was successful in both the Sales and Marketing aspects of new home building and was a valued member and past president of the National Home Building Association.
Steve and Becky met in December, 1974 and were married 5 months later. Last May they celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary.
Steve trusted the Lord in all things, setting a strong Christian example for his family and friends. He was a member of Harvest Bible Chapel and attended faithfully until his last cancer treatment.
Steve was first diagnosed with Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1990. He went into remission and for the next thirty years he fought this cancer and won finally in 2019. Following this successful treatment, Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease which claimed his life this past Labor Day. Steve will be forever remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and a hero.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Rebecca “Becky” (Phelps); children Julie (Ken Wright) Stevens of South Elgin, Tom (Chrissy) of Round Lake Beach, Tim (Lori) of Hampshire, and Chris (Shelly Godgart) Marcilliott; grandchildren Heather (Cesar) Lopez, Donnie (Mel Delgado) Rion, Rachel (Chris Youngbuth) Rion, Katie (Adam) Johnson, Danny (Celeste Dicosola) Stevens, Jenna Rion, Tyler Burns, Josh Wright, McLaren Marcilliott, and Liam and Isabella Heilemann; great grandchildren Gabriella, Charlotte, Alina, Nolan, Dominick, Andrew, Rosemary, Jonathan, Kasey, Jackson, and another on the way; brother Larry (Anita) of Elgin; son-in-law Don Rion of Bartlett and many other dear relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lynn Miles, daughter Jill Rion, and great granddaughter Mia.
A funeral service for Steve will be held Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 11:00 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street, Geneva. To view Stephen's service virtually please click on the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88097303830?pwd=MVpzMng5bzhRL3N1YmNuZVltOFdxUT09
Please enter the Passcode: 349658
Burial will follow at Washington Reformed Presbyterian Cemetery in Elgin.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 10 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project, 230 W. Monroe Street, Suite 200, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or Salvation Army, 2067 Lincoln Highway, St. Charles, Illinois 60174 would be appreciated.
For information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com.
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