"Lyslie, just heard of the passing of Steve. Soo sorry. I think of you often and miss you much. Maribeth Green Davenport, Iowa"
In loving memory of
Stephen Dennis Killian
Stephen Dennis Killian passed away on October 11, 2017, in Cave Creek, Arizona, after beating pancreatic cancer for four years. He was 70 years old.
Steve was born on Feb 15, 1947 in Evanston Illinois. He graduated from Loyola Academy in Chicago and went on to Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology in St. Louis. He started his career as an instructor pilot in the Air Force, and finished as a mechanical engineer in the field of nuclear power.
His greatest loves were his family, his faith, and his thirst for knowledge. He had so many different hobbies: Pilates, charity work, flying, reading, cooking, his pond, chess, bridge, the list goes on.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Florence Killian.
He is survived by his wife Leslye; daughters Patricia Killian and Teresa Dillon (Brian); sons Brian Killian (Simone), Daniel Killian (Madiha), David Killian (Erin), and Timothy Killian (Torie); precious grandchildren Andrew Killian, Isabel Killian, Sophie Killian, Cecilia Killian, Felicity Killian, Abigail Killian, Harper Dillon, Oliver Dillon, Elijah Killian, Hazel Killian; and his siblings Marian Breen (Jack), Jim Killian (Marge) and Edward Killian.
A Visitation service to honor his life will be held at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 20, 2017, Rosary at 7pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary and Cemetery located at 6500 E. Bell Rd in Scottsdale, AZ 85254. Funeral to follow on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to King Harvest Ministries, where he spent countless hours serving the poor and homeless.
Tributes
"I knew Mr. Killian for a little over 20 years. Every time I stepped into the Killian household I would be taking my shoes off by the front door and Mr. Killian would poke his head around the corner, and say with the biggest smile ?Hey Matt, how?s it going?!? I?ll always remember Mr. Killian as having a smile on his face. Mr. Killian was a fantastic chef and loved cooking. I have distinct memories of eating pancakes for breakfast at the Killian house. There was always premium maple syrup, and the pancakes were perfect. Mr. Killian gave me his secret - adding a little greek yogurt helps to keep them moist! Now every time I eat pancakes I can?t help but think of Mr. Killian. My thoughts and prayers are with the Killian family during this difficult time."
"Please know that you're in my thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. God bless!"
"So sorry to hear of your loss, Leslye. I'm sure Steve will be sorely missed by family and friends. May our Lord wrap you tightly in His loving arms and bring you the comfort He has so faithfully promised."
"My husband, Gary, and I met Steve 8 years ago at St. John Vianney Church in Bettendorf, IA. My husband was going through the catechumen program for those wishing to join the Catholic Church and Steve led the group through several weeks of class and preparation. Gary and Steve had an instant connection and we were thrilled to have gotten to know him through this program. He was such a positive and outgoing gentleman who provided us a great deal of faith and encouragement. He spoke so kind and lovingly of his family and the joy he felt in life was infectious. Even through his illness over the years, when we would see him at church, he was incredibly positive and resilient through such difficult adversity. He was a true example of strength, kindness, and service to others. We feel very honored to have had the opportunity to get to know Steve. Sending lots of good thoughts and prayers to his family, whom he loved so much. Gary & Darlis Fite Bettendorf, IA"
"We were shocked and saddened to learn of Steve's passing when we saw his obituary in the QC Times this morning. I went to high school with Steve at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL, and had not seen him until our 50th high school reunion two years ago. Only then did we realize that our families had been living in the Quad Cities for more than 30 years. Please accept our most sincere sympathy on your loss. Greg and Janet Corcoran"
"Peggy and I are so very sorry to hear of Steve?s passing. We are so grateful we had the opportunity to visit Steve and Leslye in August before they moved to Arizona. Steve was my friend and fraternity brother and he will be very sorely missed by all that knew him. We shared so many wonderful experiences together, both at Parks and over the course of ensuing later years. Blue skies, my friend...you were so very special!"
"Steve was the "Egg Guy" down at Kings Harvest Ministries. He greeted everyone with a cheerful smile! He made volunteering more enjoyable! You will be missed!"
"Dear Mr Killian While I never met you I did have the pleasure and honor of meeting and working with your Daughter Teresa. I had the privilege of meeting her husband and those two amazing children. Miss Teresa told me a lot about you and your family. Mr. Killian you are a great man and have deposited great gifts into your children. Thank you for your service to our nation. You can celebrate with the angels knowing your legacy is in good hands. Now you know that Teresa of yours is a character. So keep an eye on her. But I also have a couple daughters and one that is giving me a run for my money just like I am sure Miss Teresa did to you. But little girls love their Daddy and often look for the same characteristics in their husbands. So she did pretty good there too. My prayers are with your wife and family sir. Kindest regards, Doug Sweet"
"So sorry ... Leslye I will keep you and your beautiful family in my prayers."
"We are saddened by his death. We spent so much time cooking breakfast at Kings Harvest. Every holiday time Steve and Dorothy sang the Christmas song. He also loved to make the biscuits. I will miss his smile"