STEVEN JOHN STROMQUIST, 52 DURAND - Steven John Stromquist, 52, of Durand, died at 4:45 a.m. Thursday, May 22, 2008, in Rockford Memorial Hospital after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born Aug. 22, 1955, in Rockford, son of John and Marian (Holmer) Stromquist. Married the former Susan K. Norman in Fulton, on July 9, 1983. Member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Rockton.

Employed as a science teacher by Hononegah School District since 1981. He also coached high school football and girls softball and received several Coach of the Year awards. Adviser of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Former adviser of Future Farmers of America. He was an avid Ohio State University, Cubs and Bears fan. He enjoyed cooking, gardening, fishing, golfing and his dogs. Graduated from Durand High School, class of 1974. Played football, baseball, basketball, track, and was all-state football his junior year. Honored as a top 4-H Boy in 1974. Awarded 4-H Key Club in 1973 for citizenship, leadership and community service. Graduated from Illinois State University with a bachelor of science degree in 1978. Earned a master of science degree in 1980 from the Ohio State University. In 1981 did advance graduate work at Northern Illinois University.

In partnership with his father, raised and bred Columbia and Katahdin hair sheep on White Post Farm. Survivors include wife Susan of Durand; parents, John and Marian of Durand; sisters, Jill (Rich) Schraiber of Newport Richey, Fla., Karen Sargent of Durand; niece, Annika Sargent; nephew, Jon Sargent; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by grandparents and a nephew. Funeral ceremony at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 27, in Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2336 Freeport Road, Rockton, with the Rev. Doug Johnson, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial in Bethel Cemetery, Durand. Visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 26, in Hononegah High School, Metal Gym, entering through the athletic entrance. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Prince of Peace Youth Group or Steve Stromquist Outstanding Science Student Scholarship. McCorkle Funeral Home, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, assisted the family. To send online condolences visit mccorklefuneralhome.com.

Published in the rrstar.com from 5/23/2008 - 5/29/2008.