Steve A. Beja, Jr.

Steve A. Beja Jr., 89, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a legacy of hard work, and a family who will forever treasure the man he was.

Born on September 24, 1937, in Springfield, Steve was the son of Steve Sr. and Mary (Sefick) Beja. Raised in the Devereux Heights neighborhood, he graduated from Lanphier High School in 1955. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army.

Steve devoted 50 years of his life to the bricklaying trade, including five years serving as a Business Agent for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. He spent the majority of his career working for Evans-Mason Masonry and Schmoldt & Daniels Masonry.

Among his many professional accomplishments, Steve took great pride in his work as foreman for Evans-Mason on the Illinois State Library project in Springfield. In 1994, the project received the International Craft Award for Best Project – Stone from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers. Steve was personally presented with a plaque recognizing his leadership and the exceptional craftsmanship of the masonry crew he supervised. The award stood as a testament to the skill, dedication, and pride he brought to his trade throughout his career.

Known for his strong work ethic and dedication to his trade, Steve also believed in taking care of the people around him. One of his longtime traditions was preparing a home-cooked meal for his crew and bringing them lunch every Friday — a gesture that reflected his generosity and the camaraderie he shared with his fellow workers.

On November 22, 1975, Steve married Leona Rath in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 51 years. Together, they built a life centered around family, love, and lasting memories. Steve never missed an opportunity to take Leona onto the dance floor for a good polka, a simple joy they shared throughout their years together.

Outside of work, Steve enjoyed fishing, turtle hunting, mushroom hunting, cooking and family and friends. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and never missed watching a game. Steve was a man who appreciated life’s simple pleasures and found happiness in sharing them with others.

Above all, Steve was devoted to his family. A strong, protective, and hardworking man, he expressed his love more through his actions than his words. Steve made being there for his family a priority. He never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s sporting events or school activities, always making sure they knew he was there supporting them. Every grandchild and great-grandchild held a special place in his heart, and he treasured the time he spent with each of them. His family was his greatest source of pride, and his love for them was evident in the countless ways he showed up, helped out, and cared for those closest to him.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Sr. and Mary Beja; brother, John Beja; sisters, Eileen LeMasters, Louise Capranica, and Betty LeMasters; daughter, Lisa Beja; son, Joe Miller and his wife, Tina Miller; and infant grandson, Joe Miller.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leona Beja; son, Richard (Jodi) Sanchez; daughters, Kim (John) Connor, Gina Miller, and Steffanie Beja; sister-in-law, Beverly Sanchez; grandchildren, Samuel Sanchez, Ryan (Carly) Sanchez, Jeremy Page, Amber Turner, Reneigh Fickas, Matt (Kate) Connor, Gabrielle Connor, Heather Edwards, Brianna Ray, Fischer and Lincoln Beja; great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Keagan, Mia, Addie, Johnny, Layla, Lenox, Lumen, Luca, LaShaun, and Layla Marie; and several nieces and nephews.

Steve will be remembered for his strength, unwavering work ethic, generosity, and deep love for his family. He was a man who believed that love was something you showed through your actions — by working hard, lending a hand, sharing a meal, or simply being there when it mattered most. His legacy lives on not only in the work of his hands, but in the lives of the people he loved and the generations of family who will carry his memory forward.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Camp Butler National Cemetery. A family-hosted Celebration of Life will follow at Knights of Columbus, 2801 West St., Springfield.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, Illinois.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.butlerspringfield.com