Steven Wayne Sanford

Age 48 of Diamond and formerly Plainfield, passed away Sunday January 16, 2011 at Morris Hospital with his loving family at his side.

Born June 2, 1962 in Joliet, Steve is a son of Joyce Stastny and the late Kenneth Sanford. He was raised and educated in Plainfield Township and was a graduate of Plainfield High School with the Class of 1980. After high school Steve worked for Koren Motors for 20 years before he went into business with his brother, operating Sanford Auto in Wilmington. Steve was a great Chicago Bears, White Sox and NASCAR fan. He had a love for boating his entire life, loved his visits to Florida and enjoyed antiquing. Steve cherished all the time spent with his nieces and nephews and could quite often be found attending their sporting games and activities.

Survivors include his mother and step-father: Joyce (Jim) Stastny of Inverness, Florida; two brothers and one sister: Mike Sanford of Inverness, Florida, Tom Sanford of Kankakee and Ellen (Don) Theobald of Plainfield and nieces and nephews: Timothy (Jennifer) Theobald, Aimee (Mike) Baist, Amber Theobald and Chloe and Nicholas Sanford, as well as his five great nephews and one great niece, whom were also dear to his heart.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Kenneth Sanford.

The family invites relatives and friends to join together for a celebration of Steve"s life on Thursday January 20, 2011 from 4:00PM until time of memorial 7:00PM at Tezak"s Home to Celebrate Life, 1211 Plainfield Road (at Ingalls Avenue) in Joliet. (815/722-0524)

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Steve"s memory to a charity of the donor"s choice.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.