Robert Christopher Steffen

March 15, 1951 – November 23, 2025

Robert “Rob” Christopher Steffen, AIA, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, architect, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. A long-time resident of Oak Park, Illinois, Rob lived a life defined by creativity and a quiet strength that made others feel instantly at ease.

Born in Chicago on March 15, 1951, at Swedish Covenant Hospital to Harriet and Richard Steffen, Rob grew up in Park Ridge, attending Mary Seat of Wisdom School and Maine South High School. Strong, athletic, and broad-shouldered, he was a four-year member of both the football and wrestling teams.

Rob’s early fascination with building and design began with a treasured gift, a LEGO set sent from family in Denmark. His academic talents were equally clear.

He even skipped fifth grade, a fact he lovingly reminded his children of during math homework.

He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago and went on to a 45-year career marked by thoughtful, preservation-minded design. He worked at Holabird & Root and Booth Hansen before founding the Steffen Group. In 2004, he and colleague Lee Schwerin formed Steffen +Schwerin Architects.

His portfolio included hundreds of private residential renovations and new builds, as well as significant institutional and commercial projects such as the Helene Curtis Building in Chicago, the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola, and extensive work for The Salvation Army Central Territory in Chicago. An “Architect’s architect,” Rob was a professional guided not by ego, but by purpose, integrity, and an unwavering respect for both history and craft.

Rob served his community and profession as a Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI) Monitor in Oak Park, a Board Secretary for the Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, and as an Advisory Board Member for the North Side Adult Rehabilitation Center of The Salvation Army.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2012, Rob continued to practice architecture with resilience. Even as the disease challenged him, his gentle demeanor, humor, and thoughtful presence remained unchanged. He participated in Rock Steady Boxing and continued to draw strength from the family, colleagues, and friends who cherished him.

Rob’s greatest joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Marion (née Otto), on August 31, 1974, and together they created a home filled with kindness, support, and laughter. He was the devoted father of Robbie, Tim (Angela), Barbie (Jordan), and Michael (Alex). To his grandchildren, Haddie, Cole, Shane, Emery,

Quinn, and Cameron, he was Morfar and Farfar, a steady and loving presence who found immense joy in simply being with them.

Rob is also survived by his loving siblings, Rick (Fran) Steffen, Barb (Tom) Spicer, Chris (Dawn) Steffen, Betsy (Mark) Porst, Chuck Murphy, and 21 beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet and Richard Steffen.

Rob will be remembered as a man whose strength was matched only by his gentleness. His legacy endures in the places he shaped, the family he loved, and

the countless people whose lives were brightened by his steady, generous spirit.

A celebration of Rob’s life will take place in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rob's name may be made to the Rock Steady Boxing Program.