Steven Pulkrabek

Deacon Steve Pulkrabek, 74, of Roscoe, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023.
Steve was born on November 30, 1948, in Silver Lake, Minnesota. He began his life on a family farm and used to say he was driving a tractor at age six (and there’s no one here to prove him wrong). He gained an appreciation for a hard day’s work and a lifelong love of animals.

Steve married his wife Jeanne on November 6, 1971, in Waconia, Minnesota. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021.

Steve spent many of his working years as a manufacturing engineer. His work took him from Minnesota to South Carolina and finally to Roscoe, Illinois. Even when he “retired” he found ways to keep busy, serving as a deacon and giving back to the community. Through his work with Beloit Hospice Care, Jail Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Knights of Columbus, he always found ways to serve the people of the community and devoted his extra time to helping others.

Steve and Jeanne joined St. Peter Church 30 years ago and connected with so many lifelong friends. Steve was ordained as a deacon in 2010 and said it was one of the best days of his life. He was welcomed by the community of St. Mary’s/St. Patrick’s. He spoke fondly of the many friends he made. He enjoyed assisting with the sacraments and Christmas and Easter Masses.

Steve was a very proud father and grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to help his family—moving to new homes, troubleshooting a flooded basement, or giving practical advice on life and career—whatever they needed, he was there. We’ll miss his wisdom and wealth of knowledge. He loved spending time with his grandsons, letting them zip around on the riding lawnmower in the backyard, watching football with them, and attending their games. He was so proud to assist at their baptisms and first communions.

Steve had a green thumb. He was an environmentalist long before it became trendy. He took great pride in his garden, providing lots of produce for family and friends. He always had plenty of tomatoes to keep Jeanne busy with canning in the fall. He could always find something to do, and he loved having the company of anyone willing to help or learn a little something about gardening.

Steve is survived by his wife Jeanne Pulkrabek; son Bill (Jaclyn) Pulkrabek; daughter Kathy Pulkrabek; son Adam (Jenny Tranmer) Pulkrabek; and grandchildren Joey, Zach, and Danny Pulkrabek.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents George and Betty Pulkrabek; his brother Lorin; and in-laws Joseph and Loretta Straus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Deacon Steve's name to St. Vincent DePaul Society or Rockford Diocese Jail Ministry.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 27, 2023 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 606 W. Main Street, Durand, IL with a visitation being held at 9:45 a.m. until 10:15 a.m., Friday. Burial will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Durand, IL. A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, 2023 at McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL with a Rosary Service starting at 4:15 p.m. prior to the visitation.