A Celebration of Life for Gregory “Greg” Michael Steinmetz, 52, of Island Lake, Illinois, will be announced at a later date due to the Covid Restrictions.
He was born on June 4, 1968 in Chicago, Illinois and passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020.
Greg was the loving son of Donald R Steinmetz and William and Ruthann McFarland (nee Cherhavy).
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his adored children, Haley and Connor Steinmetz; brother, Kyle Steinmetz and nephew, Colton; his devoted life partner and best friend, Jennifer Valice; cousins and many treasured friends.
He also leaves behind his beloved German family in Bavaria, Germany where he shared many amazing and unforgettable memories.
Greg’s infectious smile, sense of humor, and fun-loving nature literally lit up a room. He had a love for music and adventure. Everyone who knew him was proud and blessed to be his friend. He attended Western Illinois University and was employed in Communication Sales for most of his adult life.
Greg was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Marie and Ed Steinmetz; maternal grandparents, Veronica and Michael Cherhavy Sr; and his uncle, Michael Cherhavy Jr. and cousin, Christopher.
MOURN NOT THE ABSENCE OF THE CANDLE,
BUT CELEBRATE HOW BRIGHTLY IT BURNED!
Greg was a great person- we will never forget his smile and his sense of humor. Despite the long geographic distance, we felt that he was a part of our Bavarian family. Our memories of his trip to Bavaria with Jennifer are a treasure. On his first day, we went to Octoberfest in Munich and we all loved so much to be together in each other’s company.
We are sending our love to Ruthann and Bill, and to all our American Family.
Thank you for sharing your Greg with us.
Love,
Heidi, Sigi, and Wolfi Trenner
My deepest condolences to family and friends close to Greg. I remember him as a vivacious 6-year-old in our then new neighborhood. He was eager to meet and play with my 5-year-old son, and opened the door to the wonderful neighborhood of kids to play with. They played outside all day in the summer, and as much as they could during school season. Greg was always smiling, organizing, and enjoying every moment. Greg’s friendly and outgoing personality persisted as he grew up. Just two years ago he sat in with my band to play his harmonica. The same old Greg! He will be sorely missed, but the memories of his smile and friendly ways will always be with me.
We will cherish our time with Greg as he was growing up and will always be grateful for those treasured memories. He was our honorary Armenian as he relished eating Pilaf and ShishKaBob and raided our fridge with Pete after school.
From that little shrimp with the golden hair riding his big-wheel over to our house to the shenanigans of the neighborhood kids, our stories are incredibly funny and heart warming. We still don’t know how that bowling ball got positioned to break Ruthann’s nice porcelain toilet!
We are profoundly saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt sympathy to Ruthann and Bill, Don, Kyle, Haley, Conor and Jen.
We love you…
Gloria and Hart
Greg had a way of making people love him. He was intelligent, humorous, respectful, fun loving, and anxious to help, to encourage, to facilitate and to just be a friend. He was proud of his kids and loved them very much. Greg won the heart of my daughter Jennifer, and gave her many happy memories. To me, this is priceless. He was tough on himself, as outside forces of life brought him down to an uncontrollable level. Those forces and mother nature stole Greg from us, way too soon. His greg-ariousness and his bright side is missed. His loss becomes our loss, in many ways, the rest of our days.
We and our children will miss Greg and family attending our Christmas Eve gatherings.
Our deepest sympathy to Ruthann Bill Haley Connor Jen Kyle and Colton
We are profoundly saddened to learn of Greg’s passing. Even though we didn’t know him well, we know that he lit up our Jennifer’s life. She is forever changed because of the love they shared and the memories he left her. Sleep in heavenly peace, Greg.
It’s inconceivable that Greg is no longer with us. Despite the great distance between Bavaria and America, Greg was always part of the close family. Whether his visit to us or our visits to the USA, meeting Greg and spending a few days with him was a highlight. His very open and funny manner opened all hearts. During this difficult time, our thoughts are even closer to the American part of our family.
In love
Hans & Luis
Thomas & Sabine
Julia & Sandro
Florian & Tina
To Greg’s immediate family, I know I speak for all of his friends from Pittsburgh who have had the pleasure of knowing him from our times hunting together. We spent many days hunting and many evenings laughing. We are all saddened by the news of his passing and will keep him and all of you in our prayers. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him. Until we meet again.
Will miss Greg and his wonderful smile. Kyle and Greg were special to the Schweppe family as we took many trips to Maui when they were younger. Sometimes the trip included Mike Cherhavy and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cherhavy. My daughter, Laura, was the same age as Kyle.
When Bill and Ruthanne moved to Colorado back in the day for a year or two, we spent much time with the famlly. I introduced Greg to my close friend’s son who both attended Golden High School.
Greg’s passing will be a sad moment for the family and all the friends and relatives.
Judy Schweppe – Lakewood CO