Stephen Donini

Stephen Clyde Donini, 70, of Henry passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, after a courageous year-long battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Born June 2, 1953, in Spring Valley, Illinois, to Leo and Rose (Eusebio) Donini, Steve spent his entire childhood in Mark, Illinois, attending Putnam County schools. He worked for B.F. Goodrich Chemical Company in Henry, Illinois, starting in 1971, working there through ownership changes for 43 years, before retiring in 2014.

He married Diane Garland at Immaculate Conception Church in Spring Valley on September 16, 1978. He was of the Catholic faith.

He is survived by his wife; father; son, Mario (Linsey) Donini of Bettendorf, Iowa; daughter, Marisa (Brian) Beversdorf of Yorkville, Illinois; grandchildren, Hudson and Nolan Donini and Sloane, Roman and Jovie Beversdorf; brothers, Dave (Nancy) and Jody Donini; and sister, Julie (Troy) Pennock. He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and best friend, Bill “Shupie” Schubert.

Steve was incredibly proud of his Italian heritage, being “Nonno” to his five adored young grandchildren and “Big Babo” to his friends. He was proud of the parents his son and daughter have become and loved their spouses as his own. He loved his family first and cherished sharing time with them and friends at Donini Farms. He was grateful for the unwavering support from the Darren Petersen Family. He liked to make those around him laugh through his original sayings and one-of-a-kind personality. He loved music, especially blues, playing it as the soundtrack to the days and nights at the farm or in his garage at home. He rarely sat still and was always busy working on a project or driving his mower or Gator at his beloved farm. He enjoyed feeding farm corn to the backyard squirrels and researching the variety of birds that visited his feeders. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

As per his request, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

His family would like to thank all the doctors and staff of OSF Illinois Neurological Institute, Illinois Cancer Care, OSF St. Francis and OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. A special thank you to all who visited with words of encouragement at his home or away. His wife and children would like to thank his big brother, Dave, who provided unending emotional support to Diane during Steve’s last days.

All who would like to gather with the family to share stories and happy memories of Steve’s life are invited to join us for a casual gathering at the Clover Club in Mark, Illinois, for food and drinks on Saturday, May 4, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home in Henry is assisting the family.