Stephen became a Knight in 2012 and was a founding member of Holy Family. His Obituary is below:
After a rapid decline in health Stephen Lee Kirkwood passed gently into our Lord's hands on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Stephen was the second child of Loren R and Irene O Kirkwood who preceded him in death along with his brother Robert L Kirkwood. He leaves his wife Mary Jane and sons Shaun Martin, wife Angela and his three children: Stephen, Juniper, Benjamin and step granddaughter Alexis Lowitzki and his son Brian Keith, wife Jean and their three children: Isabella, Harrison and Andrew also niece Terry Kirkwood and nephew Todd Kirkwood. Steve's greatest joy lay in the hands of his grandchildren. His deepest pride came from his sons Shaun and Brian. Steve never lost sight of raising and providing for his family.
Born in Haddonfield New Jersey, Steve was in the first graduating class of Bishop Eustace Preparatory School for Boys before entering the United States Army where he served as Specialist Fourth Class. After his service he enrolled at Kansas State University, Manhattan Kansas where he earned a business degree. Proudly a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Steve graduated and was asked to be best man for his Lambda Chi brother Tim Mitchell. It was at Tim's marriage to Linda, Mary Jane's sister, that Steve met his wife of nearly sixty years. Five months later Steve and Mary Jane were married on December 18, 1965. His business degree from Kansas State served him well throughout life from RCA to his own company, Horizon Technologies, where he soared in the world of business.Occasionally seen riding his motorcycle or little sports car to work Steve loved the feeling of freedom when he hit the road. Steve was a traveler and road trips were his favorite. Some of his best trips were flying to Europe many times and taking the train to Glacier National Park.
Later in retirement he could usually be found on a tennis court, according to Steve every challenge in life could be related to the tennis court. He also cherished his health club buddies, whether it was working out, grabbing coffee or taking the ladies out for dinner.
Steve's kindness was most evident when he asked MaryJane's mother to come live with them. Always a generous man he supported many charities. With the heart of a Wildcat he funded scholarships for Kansas State University. One in the name of his father at the school of engineering and another in the name of his brother at the school of business. Closest to his heart was making sure young people from his church could experience a closeness with God through Kairos.
Steve was a founding member at Holy Family Catholic Church in Inverness, Illinois. Faith, family and caring for others is how Steve Kirkwood lived his life.A visitation for Mr. Kirkwood will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19 a mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Father Terry Keehan and Father Michael Sparough officiating. Burial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, Palatine. In lieu of flowers, Steve would like you to help someone else in need.
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