By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
9 Comments
  • Visitation

    Sunday, September 15, 2019

    2:00 to 6:00 pm

    and

    Monday, September 16, 2019

    9:00 to 10:00 am

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Monday, September 16, 2019

    10:00 am

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Wilburn J. “Bill” Stieb, 85, of Highland, IL, died Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at St. Joseph Hospital, Highland, IL.

    Bill was born November 12, 1933, to John Wilburn and Marie Helen (nee Raeber) Stieb, in Highland, IL. On June 25, 1953, he married Jane Pfister at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, IL.

    Bill served in the Air Force from April 1953 to April 1957. After separating from the Air Force, he served as Highland City Councilman from 1968 to 1972. In 1973, he was elected as Mayor of Highland and served until 1977.  From 1995 to 1999, he served again as Highland City Councilman. He worked at McDonnell Douglas and retired after more than 30 years of service.

    He was a wonderful father and grandfather. He served as a church counselor and chaperoned a trip to Camp DuBois. He was a former member of Highland Jaycees, and served a term as President. Bill was also a member of the American Legion Lee Iten Post 439.

    He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Mehalko, Highland, IL, Barbara Speed, Henderson, TX; two sons, Daniel Stieb, Highland, IL and Scott (Tammy) Stieb, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Erin (Joel) Gray, Lauren Alfaro, Bart (Allie) Lutz, Jacob Stieb, Zachary Stieb, Blake Stieb, Cory Stieb, Luke Stieb, Bridget Underwood, Jessica (Corey) Hickerson, Sara Furlong; great grandchildren, Noah, Zuriel, and Jacob; sister, Judy (Hank) Shannon, Highland, IL; sister-in-law, Hwa Mei Stieb, Taiwan; Nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wilburn and Marie Helen Stieb; wife, Jane Stieb (Aug 29, 2018); brother, John “Jack” Stieb.

    Memorials may be made to the American Legion Lee Iten Post 439 Baseball Team.

    Visitation: Sunday, September 15, 2019, from 2:00 to 6:00 pm, and Monday, September 16, 2019, from 9:00 to 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Funeral Service: Monday, September 16, 2019, at 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Clergy: Pastor Joel Gray

    Interment: Highland City Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

9 Condolences
 
  1. Chuck & Lois Conaway / September 12, 2019 at 6:06 pm

    Our hearts and prayers to the STIEB family in the loss of Bill Stieb.
    Bill was a warm friendly man who knew no strangers. We enjoyed going to our grandsons soccer, baseball and all games with Bill and Jane. We truly will miss Bill . As we did Jane.
    Hugs to Scott, Tammy, Kathy, Dan, and Barbara. Our Love to the grandchildren.. His memory will live on in his children.
    Chuck and Lois Conaway.

  2. Doug Gruenenfelder / September 13, 2019 at 9:23 am

    I have very fond memories of Uncle Bill growing up as he was usually happy, kind, and friendly, but certainly not opposed to keeping us in line when we got out of control (we deserved it!). As he was a great Leader and example for his Family, he’ll be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on in the generations that loved him. With the knowledge that he has now entered the eternal Kingdom of Heaven and we’ll all see him again some day, my family and I will be praying for his family during this time of mourning and grief. God bless!
    Doug Gruenenfelder

  3. Tim n Quinann / September 13, 2019 at 10:10 am

    Our thoughts and prayers too the Stieb family for there loss. Such a sad time for the family hope you can celebrate the time you had with him.

  4. Mark and Fran Bapst / September 13, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    We were fortunate to know Bill through his daughter Kathy. He will be remembered to us as a passionate man with many interests…..and opinions! From his baking cookies at the holidays to making Christmas decorations out of wood, his kindness will not be easily forgotten. Over the past 25 years we witnessed the close and endearing relationship he had with Kathy. He could tell a joke better than anyone and enjoyed hearing a good one as well. Bill will be missed. We loved him very much and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family at this difficult time.

  5. Mrs. Steven (Alanna) Goestenkors / September 14, 2019 at 1:07 am

    Bill was a humorous, kind and wonderful person. Very smart and it’s true as was said above, he could be described as opinionated but with very well thought out and well expressed opinions. He will be remembered for his love of family and devotion to his beloved wife Jane and they will be both be remembered for their exceptional wit, charm and laughter. Both displaying such joy for all who knew them. And we felt so glad to have known them both. God bless their family during this difficult time. Mrs. Steve (Alanna) Goestenkors

  6. Leona Morton / September 14, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    I am so sorry for the loss of Bill. Bill was a boss of mine at McDonnell Douglas. I will always remember is smile. Rest in Peace.

  7. Ruth and Jim Brusack / September 15, 2019 at 9:39 am

    Our deepest sympathy to the whole family at this sudden and tragic loss. We remember Bill as always
    greeting with a smile. Hang on to your good memories. God has taken charge now.

  8. Leonard L. Schwarz / September 16, 2019 at 11:46 am

    Just read about the loss of Bill, recall wonderful times with Bill and Jane during our Highland Jaycee experiences. Always had a smile and a warming “hello” as we greeted later in life. Condolences and prayers to the Stieb Family, He will be missed 🙏😢

  9. Harvey Buckner / January 20, 2020 at 9:04 am

    I just learned of Bill’s death. We met Bill and Jane at the Suntide in Sarasota many years ago and became lasting friends. We looked forward to seeing them every year. Bill always had stories that would make us laugh. He always brought me and a few other guys golf balls that he accumulated when he worked at a golf course. We will miss Bill. Sarasota will not be the same without him. Carole & Harvey Buckner

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