Stephen H. Quick, 76, of Watseka passed away on May 10, 2024 at Heritage Woods in Watseka, IL. He was born on July 26, 1947 in Terre Haute, Indiana to John F. and Carrie Fern Quick. He married Deborah Clark on April 18, 1970 in Marshall, IL.
Steve is survived by his children Joshua and Roselene Quick of Robinson, IL, Jacob and Shawna Quick of Watseka, and Megan and Ryan Baxter of Bloomington, IL; his grandchildren Jessica and Jacob Blankenbeker of Robinson, Ian and Emma Quick of Houston, TX, Samuel Quick and fiancee Grayce Hightshoe of Marshall, IL, Joseph Quick of Robinson, Aden and Abby Quick of Watseka, Caleb and Joshua Baxter of Bloomington, and his great-grandchildren Leo and Elizabeth “Lily” Blankenbeker of Robinson. He is also survived by his sister, Phyllis Higginbotham of Bristow, VA, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bob Smitley, Penny and Ken Cannady, Mindy and Bryan Harper, Tammy and Bill Fraker, and Diane Clark all of Marshall as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife Debbe, his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Fenton and Judy Quick, his sister Marilyn Sue Smitley and brothers-in-law Ron Higginbotham and Mark Clark.
Steve and Debbe grew up in the same neighborhood in their hometown of Marshall, IL where Steve was known for buzzing around in the go-cart he had rigged with a lawnmower motor. He had a passion for fixing, tinkering, and building things throughout his life. Following his graduation from Marshall High School in 1965, Steve attended college at Southern Illinois University where he earned an associate degree in mortuary science and was licensed as a funeral director. After working as a funeral director for several years in Marshall, he and Debbe moved to Watseka in 1971 where Steve began work as the shipping manager for Stam Manufacturing. He later began working for T&D Metal and saw the company grow and expand. Steve’s hard work and attention to detail resulted in promotions to several positions of responsibility within the company including department supervisor and quality control supervisor. He retired from T&D after 35 years of service having earned the respect and friendship of many coworkers over those years. In addition, Steve worked at Fred’s Woodworking for a period of time and he and Debbe also had their own business “This ‘n That” making handcrafted country and primitive home decor.
Steve was a longtime member of St. Edmunds Catholic Church where his handyman and woodworking talents were called upon many times including building wooden hymnal holders and crafting the cross behind the altar. He was active in the community as a Little League coach, supporter of Sugar Creek Symphony, and member of the Knights of Columbus.
All who knew Steve well were familiar with his great sense of humor and joyful smile and laugh. He enjoyed entertaining his family and friends with silly faces, voices, and pranks. Steve also enjoyed all kinds of cars and pretty much anything with wheels or a motor. He helped his children and grandchildren build and fire model rockets and potato guns and fixed up nearly a dozen dilapidated cars and trucks over the years. Together, he and Debbe created a beautiful home and garden. Debbe would have a creative vision and together she and Steve would make it happen right down to the last detail. Some of Steve’s favorite places were his basement workshop and the backyard pond he lovingly and meticulously tended. Steve loved the many neighbors who became like family in his 53 years living on Cherry Street in Watseka. They helped each other with projects, looked after one another, and shared stories on front porches.
A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00PM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00AM on Thursday, May 16 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshall. Donations may be made to Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Edmunds Catholic Church. The family gives special thanks to the staff at Heritage Woods of Watseka and Iroquois Memorial Hospice for their loving care of Steve and all of our family and friends for their expressions of love and support. We also thank Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall for their assistance with the final arrangements.
