Steven Eugene Schabacker, 79, of Belvidere, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026. He was born on May 30, 1946, in Rochelle, Illinois, to George and Clara Schabacker.

Steve was raised on a farm in northern Boone County and attended North Boone High School. He was guided in life by the values he learned early on: hard work, humility, generosity, and devotion to family. For 25 years, Steve faithfully served the community as Director of Buildings for the City of Belvidere, where his dedication, skill, and strong work ethic were clear to all who knew him. In addition to his work for the city, Steve owned a small painting business and spent many years renovating private homes and rental properties, using the talents and craftsmanship that became such a defining part of his life.

Steve’s greatest blessing in life began with a chance meeting. One day, while driving down a dead-end street, he spotted a beautiful young woman, Judith Schwartz, and introduced himself. That simple moment blossomed into a lifelong love story. Steve and Judy were married on August 14, 1965. They built a beautiful life and shared 60 wonderful years of marriage.

Steve was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He found great joy in supporting his grandchildren at their sporting events, sharing in their accomplishments, and passing along the knowledge and skills he had gained over a lifetime. Steve was a gifted craftsman and could fix nearly anything. He took great pride in teaching his grandchildren the value of hard work, showing them how to roof, paint, plumb, and handle basic electrical work with patience and care. He cherished time spent with his family at the Wisconsin cabin, a place he lovingly worked on and improved over the years, creating a setting for laughter, togetherness, and lasting memories.

Steve gave generously of his time and talents to the community he loved. He devoted time repairing, painting, or lending a hand wherever he saw a need. He asked for neither recognition nor payment, as quiet acts of service were simply a reflection of his character. He loved old cars, working with his hands, and, most of all, spending time with those he loved. Steve will be remembered for his kind heart, friendly teasing nature, generous spirit, and quiet willingness to help others. His steady presence, wisdom, and love will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Judith Schabacker; his children, Lori (Paul) Ollmann and Daniel (Jeanmarie) Schabacker; his grandchildren, Matthew (Stephanie) Ollmann, Emily (Rohail Kidwai) Ollmann, Kathryn Ollmann, Christopher Schabacker, Steven Schabacker, and Michelle Schabacker; his great-grandchildren, Rylan, Claire, Elowyn, and Madeline; his brother, Leonard (Tracy) Schabacker; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Clara Schabacker, and his sister, Judy Meckley.

A visitation for Steve will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Belvidere Cemetery.

Steve’s family will forever remember the love he gave, the lessons he taught, and the example he set through a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be designated toward a memorial bench in Steve’s name at the new Senior Connections pavilion, formerly the Boone County Council on Aging. This special tribute honors Steve’s final community project, where he gave so generously of his time, talent, and steady guidance. The bench will be placed beneath a beautiful tree next to the pavilion—a meaningful and lasting reminder of the care, dedication, and heart he brought to the project.