Steven Bracken

Steven Dale Bracken, 59, of Rockford passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017. On this day, we lost our brother and friend.  He fought a long difficult battle with heart disease and cancer.  Steve was born on February 14, 1958, in Rockford, the son of James Edward and Betty Sue (Phelan) Bracken.  He lived most of his life in New Milford.  Steve’s work was repairing cars, lawnmowers and other power tools for friends and neighbors.  Steve’s hobbies were fishing and restoring Volkswagen Beetles.  His favorite fishing holes were on the Kishwaukee River and the Kilbuck Creek.  Steve had a lifelong love affair with those strange little VW beetles and he always owned at least one of them.  He loved starting his day over coffee with his friends at the local coffee shops in south Rockford.  They were his lifeline and he drew much encouragement from them every day.  Survivors include his brothers, James Edward (Pamela) Bracken, Jr., Danny (Adrianne) Bracken and Sean (Michele) Bracken; sister, Mitzi (Michael) Chappell; three nieces; three nephews; two great-nieces; and one great-nephew. Predeceased by his parents; and nephew, Brandon Bracken.  The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Pam Bracken, Stan Chappell, Billy and Alex Smith, and Doug Hollandsworth for their care for Steve in his time of need.  A special thanks to nurse Traci from Northern Illinois Hospice for the outstanding job she did caring for Steve in his last days.  Special blessings to all of you from our family.

Graveside service at 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, in New Milford Cemetery, 2161 New Milford School Road, Rockford. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park.