Steven J. Huene

Steven J. Huene, 65, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away, Tuesday, February 15, 2022 after a 3-month battle with Covid. He was born July 26, 1956 in Rockford, IL, the son of John E. and Betty (Jacobs) Huene. Steve graduated from Harlem High School. He married the love of his life, Crystal Zaugg on May 5, 1979 in Rockford, IL. Steve was employed by Blue Ribbon Distributors for 27 years where he was given the nickname “Stretch”. He went on to work at Home Depot for 14 years. Steve made good friends wherever he went. Throughout the years, Steve and Crystal hosted many of their nieces and nephews for overnights at their home. He treated them as if they were his own. He would often defend anyone he thought was treated unfairly and would lighten up the situation with his own unique style of teasing. Once he was semi-retired, Steve would have weekly breakfasts with his dad and sister and spend Thursday’s with his dad, working on puzzles together. You could always count on laughter when Steve was in the room as he had such an effortless sense of humor. He had a quiet strength where he didn't have to say much for us to know how he was feeling. He developed a strong belief in God and quietly urged that in others. Most recently, you could hear him talking about 'The Chosen'. If you hadn't watched it, Steve would encourage you to do that and tell you many reasons why you should watch the story of Jesus. He was a natural when it came to his favorite sports like golf, softball, basketball, and bowling - earning five 300 games in his younger years. He was an avid sports fan, especially the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and Bulls. Golfing with his friends each week during the summer months was something he truly enjoyed. The family trips to Eagle River and Florida were two of his favorite places to spend time. Steve was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His heart was in the right place. If you knew Steve, you were blessed with a good and faithful friend. This world is a better place because of him being in it and Heaven just became a little sweeter.

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Crystal; father John and Stepmother Doris Huene; siblings: Susan (Donald) Kidd, Scott Mueller, Todd (Cheri) Mueller, John (Kim) Huene, Chuck (Merlin) Huene, Steve (Jeanne) Catron, Beth (Bill) Boyle, Chris Catron, Jan (Mickey) Holley, Patsy (Marty) Martin. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Mueller and step-father Dave Mueller; mother-in-law Darlene Zaugg; grandparents Robert and Mercedes Jacobs, Ernest and Eva Huene; sister-in-law Deb; brothers-in-law David and Brian; nephews Brandon and Daniel.

A visitation will be held from 2-4:30 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Chapelwood Community Church, 3625 Halsted Road, Rockford, IL 61101 with a funeral service to begin at 4:30 p.m. The funeral service will be livestreamed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SunsetFuneralHomeIL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com for the Huene family.