J. Steven Tolle, 76, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 9:57 p.m. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois.
Steve was born September 3, 1947 in Galesburg, the son of James Sherman and Frances Louise (DiPrima) Tolle. After graduating from high school, Steve worked for a time at OMC Gale Products, enlisting in the US Navy on November 3, 1966 serving four years, and was honorably discharged on August 6, 1970. While on leave Steve met Patricia Sue Mundwiler. They were married on April 17, 1971 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Galesburg. After being discharged, Steve returned to Galesburg and OMC Gale Products where he worked for 17years. He then worked for a short time at Maytag and then security at Knox College and the Mary Davis home before spending the rest of his career working for Galesburg CUSD #205 as a custodian, retiring in 2012.
Steve is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat of Galesburg; one son, James S. (Ginnye) Tolle, Jr. of Catawba, North Carolina; one daughter, Teresa Hanley of Galesburg; and five grandchildren, Clayton, Jason, Alex, Xander, and Xenthius. Steve is also survived by three brothers, John (Sue) Tolle of Galesburg, Mark Tolle of Chicago, and Andy (Janet) Tolle of Galesburg; one sister, Mary (Don) Verstreate of Carrollton, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. Steve was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas Tolle.
Steve was a faithful catholic and member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, where he served as an extraordinary minister, lifelong altar server, including many years serving for funeral masses. Steve also worked maintenance and caring for the grounds at St. Patrick’s and Corpus Christi Churches. Steve was active in the Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th degrees and was the current Grand Knight. Steve spent many years volunteering with TEC and WATCH also serving a time as the assistant spiritual director. He also was active in Cursillo and taught CCD for several years.
Steve loved his family deeply. He spent many years coaching various sports when his children were young and later enjoyed watching his grandchildren participating in sports and school events. Although he never reached the level he hoped, Steve enjoyed being outdoors golfing. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Steve loved to travel, especially to the ocean. His favorite place to visit was Daytona Beach, Florida. Steve also graduated from Carl Sandburg College with his AAS in Law Enforcement.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory. Knights of Columbus 4th Degree service will be at 7 :00 p.m. with the rosary to be prayed following. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Father Lee Brokaw will officiate. Burial with military rites will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to St. Patrick Catholic Church or to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
