Steven Degenhart

Steven "Steve" Degenhart was married to his beloved wife, Donna, for over 34 years. Steve was fully dedicated to his family, especially his son, JJ.

Steve was born on September 21, 1958 in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph Degenhart and the late Eva Degenhart. Steve was the youngest child, brother to the late Joseph Degenhart, the late Barbara Carini, the late Teresa (and late Michael) Kosuth, Christina (the late Michael) Sico, Michele (Michael) Flynn, and the late David (and late Lynn) Degenhart.

Steve was an Uncle / Great Uncle to: Sharyn / Ian, Kimberly / Ashley and Allison, Erika, Kathryn / Kara and Allyson, Rebecca / Dominic and Fiona, Danielle and Kelly / Ben and Caroline.

Steve went to St. Borgia school in Chicago and then to Steinmetz in Chicago. He stayed in touch with several of his classmates throughout the years.

Steve worked in IT / Computer Operations throughout his career. For leisure, Steve loved to bowl and play pool in multiple leagues and made many lifelong friends during these years.

Steve met his future wife, Donna, on a blind date set up by a friend over 37 years ago. It didn't take long for true love to set a future course. Steve helped coach JJ's baseball leagues, his bowling leagues (he was a bowler like Steve), and shared the love of going to the movies, taking road trips and being silly with the Three Stooges. Steve didn't sit JJ down to watch cartoons by himself - he would join him and enjoy them as well. Steve loved the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. Thank goodness that Steve witnessed the excitement of the Chicago Bears winning the Super Bowl in 1985 and the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series in 2016. He forever talked about these events remembering the players and the games themselves. Steve was passionate about these sports teams. Steve also enjoyed the Chicago Bulls and their six championships.

Steve loved all of his fur babies. They were always part of his family and Steve spoiled each one of them. We hope that the Rainbow Bridge and Heaven somehow intersect so each one can be seen and loved again.

Steve was a kind and gentle person, smart with a sense of humor. Steve, Donna and JJ built a family life together after committing to "Together Forever." Forever doesn't end now as Steve will stay forever in our hearts. He is in our dreams, our thoughts, our daily lives, and our futures before we all meet up again in Heaven. We know Steve is watching over his family and is always with us. Gosh, how we loved him and continue to love him - more today than yesterday.

The years with Steve went by way too fast. His love story for life and his family wasn't over yet, but it was jam packed with memories, milestones and love that lasted his lifetime. Steve's story was unique and his alone, not like anyone else's. It was our story with many loveable times that will never be forgotten.

Steve was our everything, which makes it all the more challenging and hearbreaking to move forward and be happy. But, Steve would want all of us to remember him with love and compassion, commitment and vibrance. When Steve had a health challenge, he was seen by the best doctor that he could have ever met and hoped for, who guided Steve over many more years of life. We are forever grateful to his extraordinary medical team and to the brilliant doctor who defied all odds.

Steve, we will always love and miss you forever. XOXOXO