Steven L. Tuma, 75, of Chatham and formerly of Jacksonville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

He was born Dec. 11, 1937, in Chicago, the son of Elmer and Dorothy Long Tuma. He married Margaret J. “Peggy” Jess on June 19, 1964, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 2, 2002.

He is survived by one son, Steven S. (Amy) Tuma of Machesney Park; one daughter, Mary Tuma Werries of Chatham; and three grandchildren, Zachary Tuma of Janesville, WI, and Alyssa and Kyle Werries, both of Chatham.

Mr. Tuma was a 1956 graduate of Morton (IL) High School, and then attended Roosevelt University in Chicago. During that time, he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Upon graduation, he began active duty with the Navy, serving on the USS Nereus. He was honorably discharged in1967, and began work with the Lockheed Corporation in San Jose, CA. While at Lockheed, he received his MBA from Santa Clara University. He and his family then returned to Illinois and Steven began work as an engineer with the State of Illinois, retiring from the Illinois Commerce Commission in 1999.

Mr. Tuma was a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham, and a member of the Jacksonville Amateur (HAM) Radio Club. He had also been a member of the Jacksonville Lions Club. He was a fantastic “Grampy”, and loved attending all of his grandchildren’s activities.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham. The family will meet friends 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.buchanancody.com.