Steven L. Bearsley, 64, of Albany, IL, died Saturday, December 23, 2023, at his home.
Steven was born April 24, 1959, in Savanna, IL, to Larry G. and Helen M. (Resel) Bearsley. He was educated in the Tampico, IL, grade schools and was a 1977 graduate of Savanna, IL, High School. On November 27, 1982, he married Kathy S. Charneski at the Little Brown Church in the Vale, in Nashua, IA. Steve began his professional career as a Mechanic at Moltmann and Smith in Mt. Carroll, IL, later advancing to the position of a Master Mechanic at McEleney’s. He then dedicated 30 years of service at Nestle Purina, where he retired. Steve’s commitment to community service was evident through his 30-year tenure with the Albany Fire Protection District (AFPD.) Starting as a Firefighter, he worked his way up to Assistant Chief and eventually became the President of the trustees of the AFPD. Additionally, Steve served as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), exemplifying his dedication to the well-being of his community. He was an avid outdoorsman and tree rancher, who liked hunting, fishing, and the serenity of the woods. Steve enjoyed playing Softball and shared his love for sports, coaching various teams while his children were in school.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy; daughter, Michelle McColley of Fulton, IL; sons, Steven M. Bearsley of Morrison, IL, and Nathan (Ashley) Bearsley of Erie, IL; ten grandchildren; four siblings, Krista (Larry) Specht of Tampico, Michelle (Scott) Miller of Savanna, Brett (Terri) Bearsley of Savanna, and Sonya (Joe) Alden of Rock Falls, IL; stepsister, Polly Klitz of Savanna; stepbrother, Kerry Klitz of Savanna; best friend, Ray Droste of Clinton, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bryan Bearsley; sister, Valissa Clayton; stepsister, Vickie Rodisel-Heman.
His Funeral service will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Fulton Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home, with Rev. Toni Lucas, Pastor of Albany United Methodist Church, officiating.
A visitation will precede the service starting at 3:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
A memorial has been established.