Steve M. Talbott

Steven M. Talbott, 42, Marengo, former Rockford resident, died at 11:05 a.m. Thursday, May 19, 2011 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Born January 18, 1969 in Rockford, son of William G. and Joanne Peterson Talbott. Graduated from Auburn High School Academy in 1987. He attended Iowa State where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Northern Illinois University. Married Kimberly Ann Free on June 7, 1997. He was employed by C&S Sports with Chicago Express Hockey. He had previously been self-employed by CAVEO Learning and also New Horizons Computer Learning Centers. Steve was an avid hockey fan, especially enjoying the Ice Hogs. He enjoyed traveling and golf, but the most important part of his life were his family and friends. Steve was a trusting and inspiring man. His smile and his laugh will always be remembered, as well as his wonderful attitude toward living life. Survivors include his wife, Kim; mother, Joanne Talbott; brother, Kevin (Deb) Talbott; sister, Stephanie (Aaron) Vescova; nephews, A.J., Will and Michael Vescova; niece, Briana Vescova; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Bill and Bev Free; sisters-in-law, Sue (Jim) Maggio and Lori (Chris) Biesemeier; brother-in-law, Bill (Cheryl) Free; nieces and nephews, Heidi (Jason) Schnulle, Anthony Maggio, Jamie Maggio, Stephanie Manusharow, Nick Manusharow, Jesse Biesemeier, Bryttany Biesemeier, Joe Free, Tim Free, Allison Free; great nieces and nephews, Brooklyn, Tess, Waylon and Gwen and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The "boys", Mulligan, Bennigan and Callahan also survive him. Predeceased by his father on June 6, 2010 and his grandparents. Steve's family would like give a special thank you to "Team Talbott" for their continuous love and support and the UW Oncology Team, especially Dr. H. Ian Robbins and Dr. Steve Howard. All of these people and many others, accompanied Steve on his journey and never failed him. Special thanks also to Tony, always a nephew, who stepped up as a caregiver and became a true friend and confidant. Forever, we will be grateful to you. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Steve's life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Christopher Druce Jones officiating. Visitation from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 a.m. until time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 or Multiple Sclerosis Society of Illinois, 525 W. Monroe St., Ste. 900, Chicago, IL 60661. Express condolences or share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.