Steven Charles Kocmoud was born in Cook County, IL on November 29th, 1953.  He was raised in a harsh, unforgiving household during which time he was actually made to sit on the floor instead of furniture, due to his weight.  He found great support in his loving grandparents.  Steven spent many hours in the basement, where it was "peaceful", learning on his own - how to repair toasters and other appliances, how to build everything from recipe boxes to, eventually, houses and decks.

He attended Northwestern University in Evanston, where he worked with one of the first computers, which was so large it encompassed an entire building.

He then headed to California where he attended a community college, worked at a concrete business, and followed The Grateful Dead as many places as possible.

Steven returned to the Freeport area in 1987, at which time he married and subsequently divorced. This marriage produced two daughters, who he loved.  Unfortunately, as a result of the divorce, they were estranged.

In 1995, he met Kari Kirchhoff, a local nurse, and began a relationship with her and her six children, which was to last 27 years until his death on July 20th, 2022.  Throughout this time, he lived a peaceful and positive existence.

He loved his time with Channing, taking her shopping, encouraging her individuality, having lots of long talks, and fulfilling the role of father.

(Steven, thank you for guiding Channing, Mike, Bobbi, Harmony, and Olivia in everything technical - from how to repair a computer to how to fix a toilet. Thank you for being at every meal, Christmas, birthday, and family celebration.)

After almost thirty years of disconnection from his birth family, he was reunited with them in March 2022 - with his beloved sister Barbara K. Stinson, from Minnesota, and his brother Tom Kocmoud, from Arizona.  He is also survived by a cousin, Jim Kocmoud, who traveled up from Florida to visit him near the end.

Steve loved being a father and a computer teacher at Highland College.  He loved being a partner to Kari.  Steven leaves behind a place at the table that can never be filled and many aching hearts.

Private family services will be held.  Condolences can be left for the family at www.walkermortuary.com