Stephen “Steve” J. West of Ottawa passed away peacefully Wednesday morning September 2 at Ottawa Pavilion with his loving wife Mary Ellen by his side at the age of 78. Cremation rites were accorded with no visitation or services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Steve was born May 13, 1948 in Appleton, WI, son of Al and Sid West. On September 22, 1990 he was joined in marriage with Mary Ellen Engberg at First Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, IL. Steve graduated from St. Teresa High School, Decatur IL. and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign 1971.
In 1975 Steve earned his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School. On October 15, 1975 Steve was licensed and admitted to practice as an attorney and counselor at law in the State of Illinois by the State of Illinois Supreme Court. He began his law career with the LaSalle County State’s Attorney’s Office and went on to become a sole practitioner in all areas of the law. Steve was well known for handling divorce cases. He concluded his career as a bankruptcy attorney retiring in 2015. Steve loved being able to help his clients through difficult periods of their lives.
Steve was an avid reader. Walking, hiking and traveling were other passions of his. Steve and Mary Ellen enjoyed traveling to many states with Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii; Lutsen, MN, and New England being their favorite destinations. Steve loved cats and especially enjoyed the family cats Zoey, Calvin, Rudy, Casey and Kirby.
Steve is survived by his wife Mary Ellen and sisters Sandy (David) Judson of Kerrville, Texas and Pat (Brad) Stubler of San Antonio, Texas. In addition he is survived by his niece Shelley (Kurt) Tompkins and their daughters Hannah and Izzie of Kendalia, Texas and sister-in-law Carol Engberg of Ottawa, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents Al and Sid West and brother Mike.
Memorials may be directed to Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary, 23595 West 223rd Street, Spring Hill, KS 66083 and Safe House Animal Rescue League, P.O. Box 193, Mendota, IL 61342.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.