Stephen "Steve" Luczak

Stephen “Steve” Alan Luczak, age 66, of Rockton IL, passed away surrounded in the embrace of his loved ones on October 19th after a battle with cancer.

Born on December 7, 1958, Steve was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend. He touched the lives of many with his outgoing personality, lively sense of humor, generosity, go-getter attitude, and spirit of adventure. Steve was the man you looked to when you needed someone to confide in, a partner in crime or someone to raise your spirits with a joke and a goofy face.

Growing up in Chicago with his mother Carole, father Ed, and brother Dave, Steve was a true-blue Chicagoan. He often reminisced about his time spent at Loyola Academy and causing trouble with his friends and his brother Dave wherever they went. In his later years, Steve enjoyed sharing his love of Chicago with his family by taking them any chance he got to explore the city’s food, history, neighborhoods and sporting events.

Steve was a family man who was heavily involved in the lives of his children, Tim, Megan, and Nikki. From attending their events, coaching their sports teams, and supporting their interests, Steve was always on the sidelines cheering them on. Steve’s beloved dog Beau, his fourth child, could be found working alongside him at Advantage Auto Sales or tagging along to swap meets and car shows. Where Steve went, Beau faithfully followed.

Steve had a lifelong career as an entrepreneur. As a man who wore many hats, he dabbled in the beer industry, owned a sub shop, and worked as a salesman in the automation industry before finding his true calling as a business owner. He opened Advantage Auto Sales and Imports in Loves Park, IL in 2007. Steve’s love of cars and his passion for connecting with people ran deep and could be seen through all the connections and friends he made along the way.

He loved many things, but sports were at the top of his list. Born in Killeen, Texas, he held an allegiance to the Dallas Cowboys and as a proud Chicagoan, rooted for the Chicago Bears. Steve was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, spending many summer days at Wrigley Field. He even cheered on his beloved Cubbies at the Friendly Confines in the 2016 World Series. During the winter months, Steve loved going to all the Rockford Ice Hogs games with his friend Jim.

Inspired by his parents’ love of travel, Steve took his family on many adventures. He traveled to five out of seven continents and had especially fond memories of his trips to China, Africa, and Greece. He also loved to see the country by car, taking cross-country trips to California, Colorado, Florida, Maine, and Utah. No distance was too long a journey for Steve!

Steve is survived by his wife of 42 years, Carolyn Luczak; son, Tim Luczak and partner Crystal Hartmann; daughter Megan Luczak and partner Jorge Granados; daughter Nikki Luczak and partner Joe Maurer with dog Eleanor; beloved dog Beau; mother, Carole Luczak and father, Edward Luczak; brother Dave Luczak and wife Karen Pearce; and many other family members and friends who loved him endlessly.

Services will be held on Monday, October 27th, 2025 at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St, Rockford, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. through 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a Mass and a funeral procession to lay Steve to rest at Greenwood Cemetery. After the burial, the family welcomes you to join them again at the Cathedral of St. Peter to gather, share memories and celebrate Steve’s life. Light refreshments will be served.

In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Steve with a donation to one of the following organizations:

American Cancer Society

National Park Foundation

University of Wisconsin Foundation – Pets Make a Difference Fund