"Judie and Stacey, Even though we drifted apart, Steve always has and always will hold a special place in my heart. He was my first love and I cherish the times we spent together. I am very lucky to have had him in my life. Love always,"
Stephen S. "Steve" Ilgis, 46, of Clarksville, Tennessee and formerly of Delhi, Iowa and Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the Regional Medical Center in Manchester, Iowa, after a 2 year battle with pancreatic cancer.
A celebration of Steve's life will be held at 2:30 P.M., Monday, May 23, 2011, from the Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa. Friends and family may gather for "One Last Party" in remembrance of Steve following the celebration of life service and burial at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, from 5 to 7 P.M., Monday, May 23, 2011, in "The Bistro" @ Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa.
Stephen Shane Ilgis was born on October 18, 1964 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Ivars and Judie (Winger) Ilgis. He was a 1983 graduate of Maquoketa Community High School and then served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. He married Denise Deppe in 1989.
Steve had first worked for Clark Transfer hauling props and sets for Broadway shows. He then moved to Delhi, Iowa and owned and operated Camp-O Bar and Grill. In 2007, he moved the Clarksville, Tennessee where he worked for Nitetrain and Pioneer Coach driving bands and entertainers, with the last two years being with Kenny Rogers.
Steve had been a member of the Clarksville, TN American Legion, Pilots-N-Paws, the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, and the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa.
Steve enjoyed flying, snowmobiling, listening to music and doing sound board for bands. He truly loved his job.
Steve is survived by his mother and step-father, Judie and Francis Beller of Manchester, IA; a sister, Stacey (Randy) Christiansen of Delhi, IA; a daughter, LeiLani Chostner of Apache Junction, AZ; a granddaughter, Jadianna Chostner; his paternal grandmother, Austra Ilgis of Oxford Junction, IA; and aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father, his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandfather.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Stephen S. "Steve" Ilgis memorial fund has been established.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
"Judie and Stacey, Even though we drifted apart, Steve always has and always will hold a special place in my heart. He was my first love and I cherish the times we spent together. I am very lucky to have had him in my life. Love always,"
"Dear Judie and Family: Bill and I were sorry that we could not come to Steve's celebration of life. I remember when he was born from my Mother at the Beauty Shop. We hope you find comfort and peace that he is in the best place that anyone could be. Love Marilou R."
"Stacey, Judy, and Fran So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He put up a good fight and so did all of you with all the love support and help you gave him. Steve is with God now, but he will always also be in your hearts forever."
"Judie, Francis and Stacey, I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I know there are no words to ease your pain, but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Judy and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have great memories of Steve and know he will be missed."
"Ilgis family, Steve was a great & fun guy to be around, I enjoyed working for him at Camp-O - many (Many) fun memories. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts are with all of you at this time."
"Dear Aunt Judie & Uncle Fran, We were so very sorry to hear about Steve. He will always be remembered as someone truely special. Please accept our deepest sympathy's and you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"AuntJudie and Uncle Fran - I am so sorry to hear Steve lost his battle. I wish I could come home, but know in my heart I am with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"To Steve's family, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Steve was a great person and enjoyable to be around. He will be greatly missed. "
"To Steve's Family, Sending you prayers for strength and healing to handle your days ahead. As Steve is now at Peace, you need to carry and live on in Peace knowing that he is always with you and only a prayer and thought away. May God Bless and comfort your family. Steve was a really kind and generous human being. We have all been blessed to have known him."
"Judie & Family, please accept our sympathy for the loss of Steve. You can be comforted in the knowledge that he is now at peace in a much better place."
"Dear, Judy, Stacy, Fran Losing Steve is like losing part of my family. Brad and Steve seemed to be everywhere. Sure glad we did not know what they were up to. If I had two sons, I would include Steve as one. Sincerely, Bob Thomas"
"Stacey & Family Our Prayers are with you and your family. Steve was A friend & fun guy."
"Stacey & Family Our Prayers are with you and your family. Steve was A friend & fun guy."
"Stacey & Family Our Prayers are with you and your family. Steve was A friend & fun guy."
"Sending you much love and hugs. Steve was such a wonderful personality and friend. May all the memories help to fill the void that has been left."
"My Prayers are with you, I am very fortunate to have meet Steve and an so great full I could call him my Friend. May Gods Grace be with you."
"Steve had an extremely generous and kind heart. He made numerous Pilots N Paws flights starting in the fall of 2008 and literally saved these pups lives. Steve will be greatly missed. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. "
"may you be wrapped in the comfort and peace of your love and memories of Steve."
"Judie, Fran, and Stacey I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. "
"Judie and Francis, You have our deepest sympathy. We wanted you to know that we care for you. Loving memories, Darrel & Sharon "
"Judie and family, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you. May the Lord give you His strength and peace."
"Judy & Stacey, Gone to soon. So sorry for your loss. I will remember Steve with much laughter in my heart."
"Judie & Stacey, So sorry to learn of Steve's passing. So many memories of the times we all spent at 6-B's"
"So sad to hear of Steve's passing --- such great memories of him! "
"hey stacey i`m sorry about steve Dan "
"Keep your eye on the horizon, buddy. Love you and miss you SO much. I have a feeling you and Tom are together and showing everyone in Heaven how to have a good time. To Steve's family: I'm here for you so whatever you need-- I'm your girl. See you soon!! "
"Stacey, You and your family are in our prayers. We love you and are here any time you need to call or get away. "
"Judy, Fran and Stacy you are in our thoughts and prayers. That smile will be deeply missed. "