Kent B Steffen

Kent was born on July 31, 1955 in Elgin, IL to Elmer and Eleanor Steffen.

He married his beloved “Angel”, Joanne Hemmer, of Peoria, IL, who brought Kent his greatest earthly joy, on August 1, 1999.

Kent graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Business Finance and worked as Finance Manager for Mangold Ford in Eureka, IL for nearly 20 years. Kent transitioned to serving as Chaplain at Peoria Rescue Ministries the last few years where he boldly and faithfully preached transformation by the power of Jesus Christ alone.

Kent’s salvation in Jesus Christ at the age of 40 ignited in him a hunger for God’s Word and a ministry of Evangelism with Berean Prison Ministry where he also served on the Board.

Kent’s example of “praying without ceasing” was an inspiration to all as he moved from talking to people to praying blessing for people seamlessly with great faith, belief and trust in God’s Holy Ghost to move and act.

Kent lived a life here with fun, travel, and lavish generosity with love to his entire family.

Over the past 4 years in his battle with cancer, Kent and Jo have modeled Godly and sacrificial “true love” to family, friends, and healthcare workers. Yet their greatest desire is that many would come to a saving knowledge of a relationship with Jesus Christ to the glory of God alone.

Kent truly lived Paul’s testimony in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Kent was preceded in death by his father, Elmer and mother, Eleanor Steffen; his sister, Sheila Steffen; his brother, Stevie Steffen and his mother-in-law, Marian Hemmer.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne, of Peoria, IL; two brothers, Jonathan Steffen of McHenry, IL and Gordon (Martha) Steffen of Peoria; three sisters, Cheryl (John) Knobloch of Mahomet, IL; Denise (Dave) Scheitlin of Champaign, IL and Jolene (Jon) Rocke of Morton, IL. Also surviving are Kent’s father-in-law, Chuck Hemmer, sisters-in-law Jane (Steve) Suttor and Jean (Jim) Huber of Peoria; Judy (Stan) Sauder of Westerville, OH; brother-in-law Chip (Kim) Hemmer of Peoria; many dearly loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece. Also, some very special aunts and uncles.

A Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, January 6, 2023 at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, January 7, at 10 am with visitation from 9-9:45 am at the Peoria Apostolic Christian Church, 3420 N.Sheridan Rd. in Peoria, IL. Burial will follow the service at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery near Edwards. Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria, IL. will be handling all arrangements.

Kents family would like to thank the the doctors and nursing staff at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home for the wonderful care and compassion they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Peoria Rescue Ministries and Berean Prison Ministry. To view Kent’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.woolsey-wilton.com.