Stephen J. Kaiser

Stephen J. Kaiser, 61, Rockford, died Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in the University of Wisconsin Medical Center following a short illness. Born November 6, 1956 in Freeport, son of Harold W. and Joyce E. Yeager Kaiser. Graduated from Freeport High School in 1974, received a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from DePaul University. Married Barbara Chapin in Lena on September 4, 1982. Active member of Christ United Methodist Church. Steve spent 18 years in the banking industry. In 1996 he and his wife opened Great Harvest Bread Co. where he spent the rest of his career thoroughly enjoying being a baker. He had a quick wit with a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Nobody was ever a better husband or father. Steve was a kind man with a sweet nature and always found his happy place at the family’s home in Wisconsin on the Mississippi.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; sons, Andrew (Courtney) Kaiser and Matthew Kaiser; daughter, Katherine Kaiser; sisters, Nancy (Jack) McPhillips and Janet (Al) Cunningham; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Flo Chapin; sister-in-law, Nancy Chapin and numerous friends. Predeceased by his parents and father-in-law, Dr. Neal Chapin.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Rd. with Rev. Jane Eesley and Rev. Dr. Kenneth Board officiating. Visitation from 5-8 p.m. Friday in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd and from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials may be given to The Nature Conservancy, Att: Treasurer ,4245 N. Fairfax Dr. Ste. 100, Arlington, VA 22203 or Christ United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to the family or memories shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.