Steven D. Esslinger, 74, of Jacksonville, Illinois, died Friday, December 5, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 4, 1951, in Mattoon, the son of William Fritz and Mary Barbara (Schaumburg) Esslinger. Steven married Mary Jane Gilbert on September 19, 1970, at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, and she survives.

He is also survived by his sons, Brent and Kyle Esslinger, both of Jacksonville; sister, Jill Esslinger Reed Matheny (husband James) of Jacksonville and her children, Aubrey Reed (significant other Joe Erthal) and Zachary Reed (wife Kelsey); great nieces and nephews, Maddax Taapken, Eli, and Addie Jo Reed; brother, Bob Esslinger (wife Becky) of Champaign and his children, Chad Esslinger (wife Patty) and Stephanie Esslinger (significant other Alex Singleton); great nieces and nephews, Maddie, Hannah, and Ben Esslinger, and Sophie, Jacob, and Emma Wheeler; and niece, Rhonda Gilbert.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents; first son, Sean Steven Esslinger; nephew, Mark Gilbert, and brother-in-law, Steven "Steve" Reed.

Steven graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1969. Before graduation, he, his father, and brother opened Bill's Star Market in Jacksonville, a staple in the Jacksonville community. Steve had a personal touch with his customers and loved his job. After running that business for many years, he drove a school bus for Jacksonville School District #117 in his retirement, enjoying the company of the kids over the years.

He was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville and was also a member of Thursday Night Bass Club. Steven was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and especially fishing. Over the years, he took many memorable fishing trips with his father, brother, sons, and fishing buddies on lakes all over the Midwest. He won several bass fishing tournaments and even fished at the semi-pro level.

In his later years, he enjoyed sitting on the back porch swing with his sons and dogs, often listening to Cardinals and Fighting Illini games, and watching hummingbirds. He considered his sons his best friends and loved them very much.

A memorial service will be held 12 Noon, Friday, December 12, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. A visitation will be held from 10 AM – 12 PM, prior to the service. A burial at Memorial Lawn Cemetery will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are suggested to Faith Lutheran Church or PAWS of Jacksonville. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of the arrangements.