OREGON — Steven C. Bonte, age 75, went to be with the lord on Monday, July 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at his home in Oregon, IL. He was born on March 26, 1949, in Rockford, IL, the son of John F. Bonte and Marian Cirksena. Throughout his life Steve worked as an electrical engineer for WA Whitney. He married the love of his life, Cheryl Nordman, on June 10, 1972, at the Ebenezer Reformer Church of Oregon, IL. Steven was devoted to church and to the lord, he even volunteered with Hands Helping Haiti. When he wasn’t spending time serving the lord, he could often be found doing woodworking and tinkering with all kinds of gadgets. He loved old tractors and cars. His pride and joy was his 1969 Ford Mustang that he bought new. He enjoyed taking photographs and videos of precious memories. He would always make sure to have either a camera or a video camera handy so as to always be able to remember the special moments with his family. Steve was a family man through and through, the love he had for them was immeasurable.
He is preceded in death by his parents John & Marian, son Micah Carl Bonte, and brother-in-law David Gaass. He is survived and missed dearly by his loving wife of 52 years Cheryl Bonte of Oregon, IL; Children Stephanie (William) Bonte-Lebair of Gaithersburg, MD, Melinda Ann Bonte of Summerville, SC, Gregory John (Carrie) Bonte of Oregon, IL; brother Kent (Karen) Bonte of Clairmont, IA; sister Dawn Gaass of Denver, CO; grandchildren Braydon, Jordan, Angel, Averi, Annabell, Autum, Aubri; and great-grandchild Cayden.
A visitation has been planned for Saturday, July 13, 2024, beginning at 4:00 pm and going until 6:00 pm at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home of Oregon, IL. A funeral service has been scheduled in his honor for 2:00 pm Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the United Church of Byron, IL, with Pastor Tyler Spellious presiding. Immediately following the service, a graveside service has been scheduled at Ebenezer Cemetery of Oregon, IL. Steve will than be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery of Dekalb, IL. Memorial donations maybe made in his name to the United Church of Byron. To leave an online condolence or plant a tree in his memory please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com.
