James Albert Steurer Sr., 79, of Delavan, passed away at his home on Sept. 22, 2014, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Marengo, Ill., on Dec. 17, 1934, to Albert and Lexie (Marsh) Steurer. James was united in marriage to Virginia Cooper on Feb. 23, 1952, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Delavan.
Along with his wife, Virginia, he owned and operated J&J Sanitary Disposal for many years until his retirement. The joys of his life were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. They enjoyed the awesome stories of his childhood. He spoke highly of their neighbor, Mr. Lemke, who sponsored him and his four siblings to go to a Lutheran school during the Great Depression. He told of how, during World War II, his father’s German cousins were being held as prisoners of war in an Illinois POW camp and how angry he was at his grandfather for taking them fresh vegetables from his farm. His father was in Germany fighting them and his grandfather was feeding them. His stories, generosity and kindness will live on.
Jim is survived by three daughters, Barbara Steurer, of Elkhorn, Bonny (Richard) Piantino, of Darien, and Brenda Piantino, of Darien; a son, James Steurer Jr., of Delavan; six grandchildren, Brian McClellan, Sarah McClellan, James (Crystal) Steurer, Laura (Ronnie) Piantino, Daniel Piantino, and Rachel (Adam) Piantino; 12 great grandchildren, Erika, John, Ty, D.J., Jordyn, Chace, Ronnie, Alyssa, Rosalee, Chloe, Faith and Alec; a brother, Robert (Sue) Steurer, of Genoa, Ill.; a sister, Darlene (Dallas) Koch, of Reedstown; a sister-in-law, Judy Steurer; brother-in-law, James Gallagher; special friends, Barb DePriest, and Duane and Marlene Voss; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Cynthia Steurer; brother, Eugene Steurer; sister, Alberta Gallagher; granddaughter, Lisa Holmes; and his parents.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday at Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service Monday at the funeral home.
Monroe Funeral Home is assisting the family.
