Steve was born June 30, 1952 in Pekin, Illinois and was preceded in death by his adoptive parents Francis and Laura Sonnemaker.
For 38 years Steve faithfully served Peoria County and held the office of County Clerk at the time of his passing, having held the position since first elected in 2006. He previously served as Auditor from 1984-2006 and County Board member 1980-1984.
Prior to his election as County Auditor, Steve was a cemetery auditor with the Office of the Comptroller of the State of Illinois.
He served as a Hollis Park Board Member 1975-1985 and was a Timber-Hollis Volunteer Firefighter.
He was the President of the Illinois Association of County Auditors from 1987-1992, President of the Illinois Association of County Officials from 1998-1999, and a board trustee of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
He was also the Chairman of the World Wars I & II Veterans Memorial Committee with the memorial being dedicated in 2007 and Chairman of the Veterans Memorial Committee to honor the fallen since the Korean War with the most recent memorial being dedicated in 2018.
Steve was currently on the board of directors of American Gold Star Families.
His memberships include the Kiwanis Club, Friends of Fatherless Boys, the Salvation Army and Southside Mission.
Steve will be remembered as a great friend who was passionate for honoring America’s veterans and served the Peoria County community with honor and distinction.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, 2021 N University St. in Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Michael R. McLeod will officiate. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 pm Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to American Gold Star Families.
