Steven Crye

Steven “Steve” C. Crye, 68, of Zion, Illinois left this world on September 9th, 2024. Steve was born to Duwayne and Ardell Crye (nee Dettman) on October 1st, 1955 in Portage, Wisconsin.

After spending his early childhood years in Wisconsin, Steve moved to Lake County, Illinois in 1963 as a 4th grader. He was a bright child and began playing the guitar as a teenager. Steve graduated high school in Antioch, Illinois. 

In 1989, Steve married his wife Julie (nee Castillo) and they brought together his two daughters, and her daughter to create a blended family. Steve spent his career painting cars, bikes and boats. He repaired and built boats as co-owner of Hi-Tech Boatworks in Waukegan, Illinois.

Steve was an adventurous Harley rider and loved to be on two wheels. He enjoyed fishing and being on the water. He was a music enthusiast and particularly loved classic rock, reggae and the blues. He loved to dance and he did so with a free spirit. He was a professional supervisor of the projects he requested his family's help on, which turned into invaluable teaching moments. He treasured his family and was fiercely protective of those he loved. He was seen as a hero to his girls.

He was a teddy bear in a leather jacket.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Duwayne Crye, his step-father, Melvin Rades and his beloved grandson, Christopher Groomes. Steve leaves behind his wife, Julie Crye, his mother, Ardell Rades, his daughters Dawn (Jayson Webb) Crye-Wrath, Stephanie Crye-Graves and Kristina (Robert) Foster. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Mykalah, Donnie Jr, Kiana, Jalayna, Ivy and Ray as well as his beloved dog, Dodger.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a future date. For information or any donations, please email celebrationofstevecrye@gmail.com