Steven L. Franck

Steven Lee Franck found everlasting peace with Christ on December 6, 2025. Steve was born on
August 30, 1952, in Rock Island, IL, to Elmer and Martha (McGinnis) Franck.
Steve was an exceptional scholastic athlete and that passion for scholastic sports followed him
throughout his entire life. He graduated from Rockridge High School (Taylor Ridge, IL) in 1970
and from Western Illinois University in 1974.
He married Janine Marie Nelson in 1972. Following graduation, the couple moved to Rockford,
IL, where they raised three children (Bryce, Andrew, Stacy). He was the strong, silent type of
father (except when he got angry), and instilled the values of hard work and self-reliance in his
children. His softer side came out for his four grandchildren (Kyra, Dylan, Donald, Ella), who he
absolutely adored.
He spent many years traveling the Midwest, while working in industrial tool sales. However, his
true passion remained scholastic athletics. He worked for 28 years as a high school football
official and 26 years as a high school basketball official. When he wasn’t on the gridiron or the
court, he could be found on the diamond as a USSSA Softball Official. In 2014, he officiated the
IHSA state football championships. He was a past member of both the Northern Illinois Football
Officials Association and the Northern Illinois Basketball Officials Association, as well as the
Elgin Area Officials Association. He was a former member and past president of the Rockford
Officials Association.
He was a member of Riverside Community Church and a former member and board chairman
of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
His memory and life live on through his wife, three children, and four grandchildren, as well as
his sister (Barb Freyermuth) and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in
death by his parents.
Celebration of life to be held at Riverside Community Church (6816 N. 2nd Street, Machesney
Park, IL) at 11 a.m. on January 10th , 2026, visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. Memorials can be made to his family in care of Janine
Franck.

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