Stephen Kuhn

Stephen “Steve” P. Kuhn, 79, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in his home with his future wife, Bonnie, by his side.  Steve was born March 15, 1945, in Richmond, IN, the son of Lloyd and Jean (Brown) Kuhn.  He was so proud of his Indiana Hoosier heritage.  His family moved to what would become Machesney Park in 1960.  He graduated from Harlem High School, Class of 1963, where he played basketball, was voted class clown, and was later selected as one of 90 outstanding Harlem graduates.  He went to Butler University, graduating in 1967 with a BS in Business Administration.  He went on to attend Northern Illinois University where he graduated in 1970, with an MS in Business Education.  Steve was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Caliente off the coast of Vietnam.  He established, administered, and taught in the distributive education program at Washington High School in Indianapolis for seven years.  Steve then moved back to this area where he was a real estate broker for many years.  In 1989, he was appointed to the Village of Machesney Park’s Board of Trustees and in 1994 he became the Mayor of Machesney Park, where he served until 2001.  As Mayor, Steve was honored to serve his community and lead the development of the IL 173 Corridor.  He was a member of St. Bridget Catholic Church and proudly served as an usher with his dad.  He was also an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  Steve was a true “car guy.”  He attended the Indianapolis 500 races with his parents since childhood. His favorite driver was A.J. Foyt, whom he graciously met on several occasions.  He developed and maintained friendships with many fellow race car enthusiasts.  He was a supporter of the Rockford Speedway and had known Jody Deery for many years.  Steve was also the owner of several classic cars and was involved in the classic car community.  He loved going to Florida during the winter months with his parents and enjoyed the warm sun and the vast ocean.  He was a devoted son to his loving parents; everyone that knew Steve, knew Lloyd and Jean.  Survivors include his significant other, Bonnie Harn; several cousins; and caring friend, Penny.  Predeceased by his parents.

Steve’s Catholic faith was the foundation for everything he did in his life.  He loved and trusted God with all his heart.  He met Bonnie because of his faith.  He wanted to receive Holy Communion at Independence Village.  She was the Eucharistic minister from Holy Family.  The rest is history!

Bonnie and Penny would like to thank Steve’s hospice team from St. Croix Hospice, especially Nurse Alana and CNA Crystal.  These ladies brought humor, sensitivity, and gentleness to Steve which he really appreciated.

A private mass will be held with entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL.