Steven “Steve” Martin Daly, a cherished Peoria, Illinois native, tragically died on January 16, 2026. The community of this central Illinois city, whose lifetime citizens like Steve contributed to the everyday friendliness and dependability that characterize local life, is grieving quietly over his gentle death at the age of 59. Steve was born to James and Frances Fortner Daly in Peoria on May 25, 1966, and grew up surrounded by the comforting rhythms of the Illinois River Valley.
Steve attended the Academy of Our Lady Spalding Institute before graduating from Woodruff High School in 1984, experiences that shaped his grounded character and strong work ethic amid Peoria’s educational traditions. These formative years reflected the resilience and community focus common to many who call the city home, fostering a sense of belonging that carried into his adult life.
In 1997, Steve married Karin Rader on September 13 in Peoria, beginning a devoted partnership filled with mutual support and shared joy. Their union stood as a cornerstone of his existence, creating a home rooted in affection and stability. As a loving husband, Steve prioritized the well-being of his wife, offering steady encouragement that strengthened their bond through life’s seasons.
Professionally, Steve dedicated over 20 years as a sub-contractor for Ekhoff Roofing, bringing skill and dependability to projects across the region. His role demanded precision and reliability in an industry essential to Peoria’s residential and commercial landscape, earning respect among colleagues for his consistent effort. This long-term commitment highlighted his pride in honest labor and contribution to the community’s built environment.
Steve embraced a lifestyle centered on family and quiet fulfillment, finding contentment in the simple pleasures of home and meaningful work. His approach reflected appreciation for relational depth and everyday routines, prioritizing empathy and presence in interactions that enriched those around him. In Peoria’s welcoming neighborhoods, such qualities fostered supportive connections that sustain residents through time.
Though his time concluded at 59, Steven “Steve” Martin Daly’s legacy endures as a heartfelt tribute to a life well lived through devoted marriage, dedicated craftsmanship, and the gentle impact of a steadfast spirit. A visitation is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Woodland Baptist Church in Peoria, offering a gathering to honor the profound warmth he shared so freely.