AVA – Steven E. Bower, 77, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at his home in Ava, Illinois.

Steven was born on October 8, 1947, in Ava, IL, the son of Grover and Gladys (Talbott) Bower. He married Kathleen Wodtke on October 23, 1971, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL. Steven was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served during the Vietnam Conflict, acquiring a Purple Heart, 2 Bronze Stars, and was a member of the 1st Calvary Unit. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill, IL, Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553, Chester, IL, and the Operator Engineers Local #318.

Steven is survived by his wife Kathleen Bower of Ava, IL, his children: Matthew (Katrina) Bower of Waterloo, WI, Erica (Seth) Stallings of Effingham, IL; his grandchildren, Garridan and Maddox Stallings, his sisters: Carolyn Rogers of Scott Air Force Base, Belleville, IL and Vivian Franklin of Perryville, MO.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, John and Glenn, sisters: Minnie Huffman, Mary Juliett Rader, and Emma Lois Taylor.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, 7:00 pm, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, IL, with Rev. Clifford Adair officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, November 9, 2024, where friends may call from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Campbell Hill, IL. Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church and be mailed to Wilson's Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.