Stephen W. Koontz

Stephen "Steve" W. Koontz, 73, of Robinson, IL, died on February 18, 2026, at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson.

Steve was born on May 28, 1952, in Flora, IL, and he carried a little of Flora with him everywhere he went: a steady work ethic, a practical kind of confidence, and a way of taking pride in what he built. After graduating from Flora High School in 1970, he went on to the University of Illinois, where he earned his degree in 1974, a reflection of what people close to him always knew, Steve was sharp, well-educated, and curious about how things worked.

That blend of intelligence and drive showed up most clearly in his work. Over the years, Steve managed several successful restaurants and hotels, places where his vision and his standards could come to life. In Robinson, many came to know him through his years running the Best Western, a role he held for 14 years. Whether he was in hospitality or later serving as a general manager at RDF in Eldorado, IL, Steve brought the same thing to every job: he worked hard, he took responsibility seriously, and he made sure things were done the right way.

But the truest picture of Steve was often found off the clock, in the way he lived at home and in the way he loved his people. He was talented and creative, the kind of man who could fix just about anything, and he always seemed to have an idea in his head and a project in motion. Weekends with Steve were rarely quiet, especially when they were spent working alongside his son, Erik, tackling one more project, improving one more detail, or building something that would last.

He also knew how to enjoy life, especially when it involved being on the water. Boating and water sports were a joy to him, the kind of joy that brought out his lighter side. And if you were invited into his kitchen, you were in for something special, because Steve loved cooking and had a knack for putting together gourmet meals that made an ordinary night feel like an occasion. In the warmer months, you could often find him outside, too, from spring to fall, working in the yard, gardening, and making sure everything looked just right. He took pride in a nice yard, not just for appearances, but because he genuinely enjoyed the work of bringing order and beauty to a space.

Steve's generosity ran through all of it. He gave freely, helped readily, and showed his love in practical ways, the kind of ways you remember because they made life easier, better, and more full for the people around him.

He married Roberta Neal on December 28, 1978, whom he called "Patti."

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Howard Koontz and M. Modean (Young) Koontz, as well as his niece, Michelle Klein.

He is survived by his wife, Roberta "Patti" Koontz; his son, Erik Taylor Koontz; his sister, Terry(Richard) Igert; his brother, David (Trudy) Koontz; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Steve is to be cremated, and a family-guided memorial will be held at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family at this time.