SYCAMORE — Steven R. Hawkins, 68, of Sycamore, formerly of Rochelle, passed away peacefully on Dec. 10, 2020 at Serenity Hospice & Home. He was born on March 21, 1952 in Rochelle to Alva R. Hawkins and Betty (Lindquist) Hawkins. Steve attended Rochelle and Genoa-Kingston High School. He then began a career in agriculture shortly after that included custom farming, trucking, fertilizer sales and farming. He married Diane Johnson in 1987 and they resided in Kingston before moving to Rochelle.

Steve enjoyed working with customers and farmers over the years while employed at Kerr McGee, Bunger’s Soil Service, Northern FS, Hintzsche Fertilizer and Walker-Schork. He made many long-term friendships that continued up to his passing. In the early 90s, Steve was blessed to be able to start farming with his father-in-law, Don P. This was Steve’s lifelong dream. In addition to adding more land to farm over time, Steve raised hogs and cattle.

Steve was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lindenwood. He served as an Elder, usher, on the alter guild and participated in many fund-raising events. Steve also attended Tres Dias #23, which further enhanced his love and commitment to Christ. Steve had a reputation for practical jokes and comedic conversation that included witty phases and hilarious comebacks that left most with tears of laughter.

Steve will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind which includes the Love of His Life Diane; his children, Jeff (Rebecca) Hawkins, Christa (Alaster) Hinkley, Bryce (Monica) Hawkins and Joey (Heide) Hawkins; his grandchildren Isabella, Genevieve, Arabelle, Waylon, Landon and Levi; his mother, Betty Hawkins; his siblings, Harlan (Jean) Hawkins, Kevin (Dee) Hawkins, Randy (Julie) Hawkins, Mark (Kim) Hawkins and Joy (Brad) Hawkins. Steve is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as in-laws and outlaws. 

He is preceded in death by his father, an infant brother and niece, Katie Ode.

A private family service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15 at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Matthew Rosebrock officiating. The service will be live streamed on the Unger Horner Funeral Home Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL. Cards may be sent to: Hawkins Family in care of, Unger Horner Funeral Home, PO Box 87, Rochelle, IL 61068.  

Visit www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.