Steven Dean Booker

On Wednesday, September 20th, 2023, a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away. Steven Dean Booker will be greatly missed by all. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 47 years, Joanne, his 3 sons, Steven Jr. (Shannon) Booker of Genoa City, WI. Christopher (Karen) Booker of Glenview, IL., Matthew (Dana) Booker of Antioch, IL. and his loving grandchildren, Josh, Zach, Emilee, Claire, Julia, Brooke, and Brianna. A brother, David Booker (Beverly) of Marengo, IL., and several nieces and nephews.

Steve was born on November 18th, 1949 in Plymouth, IN. His family moved to Wonder Lake, IL. when he was 14 years old and went on to graduate from McHenry High School in 1968. He later became a member of Local 130, Plumbers Union in Chicago, IL.

Steve and Joanne (Legler) were married on September 25th, 1976. They built a beautiful life that they shared with their friends and family, and created traditions and keepsakes for us to cherish forever. 

Steve and Jo were members of St. Peter's Church in Spring Grove, IL. where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and participated in many fundraisers. In 2021, they moved to Lake Geneva, WI. to enjoy their retirement while fishing and boating. They also became members of St. Francis de Sales Church.

Steve was preceded in death by his Father Oscar (Ray) Booker, Mother Lois Aileen Booker, Sister Patricia Booker, and Stepmother Loretta Booker.

Steve will be remembered for his cool, laid back attitude, being the “life of the party,” and his ability to learn and change in the most meaningful ways. Steve was an impressive man who showed us the incredible power of change, forgiveness and faith. He welcomed challenges, and most importantly to him, he reconnected and nurtured relationships with his loved ones. He was proud to have endured rough times and proved that these things really do make us stronger and better humans.

Steve taught his three boys the meaning of hard work, faith, loyalty, forgiveness, and "not sweating the small stuff.” Each of his sons followed in his footsteps, becoming third generation plumbers. His high standards helped them become the top in their fields, working as inspectors, instructors, plumbers and foremen. Steve took great pride in his sons and their accomplishments, including getting married and starting beautiful families of their own. Seeing all of his children happy and watching his grandchildren grow up was one of the greatest joys of Steve’s life. 

Steve loved his grandkids, and he never missed a chance to tell or show them. Ever-present at school performances, track, cross country, softball, gymnastics meets and birthday parties, Steve shined as a grandfather. The way he looked at his grandkids, with awe and pride, was breathtaking. He knew he did great as a dad, seeing what unique and strong people his grandchildren were growing up to be. He ended each phone call or visit with a special secret whisper to his grandkids, "And one more thing, I love you!”  

Steve was a member of Local 130 Plumbers Union for 52 years, where he was known as a loyal friend and mentor. He would impart his knowledge of the trade to new apprentice plumbers. Along with being very skilled in the trades, he had many other hobbies that he enjoyed, like riding motorcycles, working on cars, woodworking, crafting stained glass and gardening. In his later years, his hobbies included fishing, boating, house renovations, vacationing, and spending time with his family.

Steve was a storyteller. He would speak with bright eyes, filled with emotion.  He loved using what is now affectionately called, “Bookerisms,” as they seemed to perfectly bundle life's nuances. Somehow, he seemed to know just the right one to use for impact. Some of Steve’s best known quotes will ring true to those who knew him best: Tomorrow is nobody's promise; I'm a tad bit better than nothing at all; I'd sound like a box of broken dishes falling over; I’m just a geriatric junkyard; finer than frog's hair; no worries; one day at a time; and holy smokes!

Steve liked to call himself a “simple” man. Little did he realize the impact he had on so many people’s lives, and through all of those people, his life, spirit and memory will live on forever. On behalf of all of those who knew Steve, we say thank you for blessing us with the wonderful life that was yours. We love you. See you after school!

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at St. Peter's Church 2118 Main Street Spring Grove, Il. from 10:00 a.m-10:50 a.m.

Followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, The World Wildlife Fund or charity of your choice.

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Derrick Funeral Home is more than honored to be assisting Steven's family.

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