Steven James Demanes

Steve was born on January 8, 1954, in Peoria, IL. He was the son of Roy Demanes and Helen Demanes Kreighbaum. He is survived by one son, Derek Demanes (Shannon) Peoria, his long time partner, Debbie Lampert, and her son Ryan Simpson (Anna), two sisters, Lynnette Demanes (Michael Fleming) Peoria, and Kimberly Demanes McSherry (Patrick McSherry) Peoria, one brother Mark Demanes (John Sloan) Seattle, WA, five nieces and nephews, Lauren Fleming, Eryn Kilver (Ken), Morgan Fleming, Kyle McSherry (Emeli Earing), and Cam McSherry. Step-siblings Vicki Schoedel (Alvin), Bill Kreighbaum and step-nephews, Matt Schoedel (Alisha), Ben Schoedel (Mary), Steve was also very close to his cousins and had a group of wonderful friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Demanes, 1979, and Helen Demanes Kreighbaum, 2015, and step-father Marlin Kreighbaum, 2014.

He graduated from the University of South Florida in May 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in business management. From 1979 to 1998, Steve served as General Manager of Swan Lake Cemetery with Memorial Consultants and assisted his mother after his father passed away.

Steve was known as a friend to everyone and loved by all; he always had a smile on his face, great stories, and had a good sense of humor, he especially poked fun of himself. He was gentle and kind, and was a wonderful caregiver for his loved ones. Steve had a special and close relationship with his mom, who meant the world to him. When she passed away in 2015, it was a huge loss for Steve. He was devoted to his partner, Debbie Lampert, who was his best friend. When Steve got together with his family and friends, he loved to reminisce about his past antics, especially with his cousin and best friend, Rich Demanes. Steve loved the outdoors, and he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially enjoyed walking the grounds of the Farm and mushroom hunting at Ravina. In his younger years, he was known for being an excellent shot, posting a sign in front of his house, “If you can read this sign, you’re in range.” Steve was very proud of his garden, especially his tomato plants. He spent more time outdoors than indoors, whether he was doing yard work, managing fires in a burn pile, tinkering away in his garden, or enjoying time on the lake. Steve often sent his siblings pictures of sunsets, rainbows, and severe weather events. Nothing excited him more than a good approaching storm coming from the West, and nothing disappointed him more than when the storms would split and dissipate over what he would referred to as the Peoria Mirage Mountain Range. Steve’s passing will leave a huge hole in our lives, but he will always live in our hearts and minds.

Visitation will be held at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A funeral will be held at Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home, 2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

Committal will take place at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, 4601 W War Memorial Dr, Peoria, IL 61615, on July 25, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:15 am.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.

Tributes and condolences may be made through the funeral home website at Woolsey-Wilton.com