Stephen "Steve" Lee Whittaker, 43, of Rockford passed away May 21, 2026. Born October 21, 1982 in Peoria; son of Scott Lee and Rhonda Lynn (Messer) Whittaker. Graduate of Polo High School, class of 2000. Steve was employed as a Technician for Comcast/Xfinity, retiring after 17 years. He was united in marriage to Alexandra Lenz on July 2, 2016 in Rockford, they planned their wedding date around their favorite holiday, the Fourth of July. Steve enjoyed boating and fishing at his favorite spots on the Kishwaukee River. He spent lots of time with his cousins, who were also his best friends. Steve and his wife enjoyed taking spontaneous last minute road trips, including spending fun times together watching the Bears and Cubs, and spending time together grilling out on low key weekends. They enjoyed country music, and went to see eight bands in eight month across the Midwest. Steve is survived by his wife, Ally; father and step-mother, Scott and (Tuyen) Whittaker; mother and step-father, Rhonda (Jerry) Thomas; paternal grandparents, Robert and Doris Whittaker; maternal grandparents, Marjorie and Wilbur Messer; siblings, April (Brain) Thomas, Matthew (Hailey) Whittaker, Danny Marlow, father and mother-in-law, Mike and Karen Buelow; sisters-in-laws, Kassandra (Joe) Nepean, Kaitlynn (Cody Dricker) Buelow, Abbigale (AJ) Gee, Kaylee Lenz-Goral; special cousins, Carisa Mitchell, Kyle Mitchell; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; a circle of extended family near and far; special friends, Adam Mitchell, Scott Pattison and Charlie the family cat. Visitation on June 12, 2026 from 1 pm to 2 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford, followed by a celebration of life at 2 pm. Celebrant Jennifer Thompson will officiate. Live Stream of the service can be viewed here: I WILL INSERT LINK. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to his family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.