Stephan Michael Bahnfleth

He was born Aug. 24, 1945 in Peoria to William and Margaret (Sackwitz) Bahnfleth. He grew up and attended high school in East Peoria. He married Suzanne Allgood Carter on Jan. 13, 1984 in Peoria, which included 3 children of the heart. She survives along with, his brother Paul (Alice) Bahnfleth of Morton, his stepchildren Michelle (Roger) Potter of Bartonville, Kathy (Ken) Toureene of Milwaukee and David Crawford of East Peoria. Grandchildren: Sarah (Daniel) Gerdes, Katie Toureene, Abbey Toureene, Chase Crawford, Seth Potter, Emilee Toureene and Gabe Toureene. Great Grandchildren: Nolan Daniel Gerdes and the anticipated excitement of his Great Granddaughter this July. Nieces & Nephews: Billy Bahnfleth, Chuck (Farrah) Bahnfleth, Angie (Mark) Lensmeyer, Kelly Bahnfleth Mayberry & Amy (Darnell) Salley .

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bill Bahnfleth and niece Terri Sue Bahnfleth.

Stephan served in the Army from 1965-1967 serving in Germany. Stephan’s life included many adventures. His escapades were shared with captive audiences. He never knew a stranger and was always a friend to everyone he met. His laughter and his kindness will be missed by all of us. In 1967, he went out to Half Moon Bay, California and lived the life of a lovable hippee until returning to Illinois in 1982. He had so many stories we were always so amazed. We would often say to him it was like Forrest Gump, he literally did so much living, met so many people along his journey. Stephan attended Woodstock, he was a roadie for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and remained friends with Neil Young until his death. He also was a roadie for Fleetwood Mac and loved the Eagles, James Taylor and many more. He lived in the Redwoods of California with his dog “Bokawah” which means friendly protector. He was part shepherd and wolf and Stephan’s constant companion. He hitchhiked, did gold mining, lived out of a VW Van, lived the true life of a hippee. He returned to Peoria in 1982 and hitchhiked all the way from California to Illinois when he heard his mother was passing of cancer.

In 1984, he married Suzanne and became a “Bonus Dad” to her three children. He always said he wasn’t a Dad and didn’t know how to be a Dad but his stepchildren would completely disagree. He loved them as his if they were his very own. Stephan was a dearly loved “Papa” by his 7 grandchildren and spoke of each of them always with great pride and love.

He graduated from Canton Junior College / ISU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and became a teacher for District 86 and taught for 20 years. He taught at Central Junior High, Glendale & Schute Schools. He had a special heart for teaching and for those children who were at risk.

Stephan loved the Chicago Cubs and the Bears. He loved playing poker. He loved his lottery tickets and having his grandchildren scratch them off for him. He had a great love for animals too. His doggies were his kids. Ketchup, Shelby, Shadow, Bokawah, and Marrakesh #1 are probably all on his lap right now. He was a great, great lover of music. He was able to name song, artist and sing lyrics from memory. A favorite game to play at family gatherings was “Name That Tune with Papa”. He took his last breath to the song “49 Bye Bye’s” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

During his retirement, Stephan and Susie enjoyed camping with friends, family and the loves of their lives, their dogs Marrakesh #2 & Sassy. He loved feeding the birds, squirrels and just enjoying God’s beautiful nature.

Stephan was a member of First Christian Church in Peoria for 37 years and was a deacon and an elder and enjoyed many Bible Studies through the years. He knew Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, had a great faith in God, read his Bible daily and loved serving the Lord. 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. We know that Our Lord said, Well done my good and faithful servant. We believe that when Stephan saw the face of Jesus for the first time, he smiled and said Far Out Man.

Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation. A private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. Remmert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria Humane Society.