Steven “Steve” J. Mobley

Steven "Steve" J. Mobley, 53, of Princeton, passed away at home on June 5, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer, with his wife, mother and sister at his bedside. There will be no visitation and Cremation rites have been accorded, with the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle entrusted with making the arrangements. A Celebration in honor of Steve's life will be held on Sunday, June 15, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Shoreline Boat Club in Ottawa.

Steve was born in Ottawa on May 15, 1972, to John S. Mobley and Mary Beth (Knottek) Marino. After high school he served with the United States Marine Corp.  Later, he received his associate's degree in auto mechanics from DuPage Community College. He married Brenda Sharpe on September 18, 2010.

Steve worked as an auto mechanic, and for many years as a truck driver before managing a Napa Auto Parts store. In 2015, he started his own company, "Brush Kreek Trucking" and successfully grew the business from one driver to as many as four.

Steve was an avid outdoorsman, and he especially enjoyed boating, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, dirt biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. He had many hobbies, and loved working on anything that had a motor, including race cars and race boats.  Above all, Steve loved teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. He cherished the time he was able to spend with family and friends, and was a kind person, known to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Friends will attest to the fact that he was also a great storyteller.

Steve is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Princeton; three children, Wyatt W. (Ari Brown) Mobley of Spring Valley, Logan P. (Irish Jaeggi) Clepper of La Salle, and Miranda Mobley. She lives in California. Other survivors include a granddaughter, Octavia; and a grandson, Warren, (on the way); his mother, Mary Beth (Ron) Marino of Cape Coral, FL; his father John (Sue) Mobley of Ottawa; one sister, Michelle (Tim) Damron of Fort Myers, FL; three stepsisters, Lori (Tim) Daniels (TX), Wendy (Jeff) Schneider (MN), and Michele (James) LeFevre (WI); his in-laws, Dennis and Shirley Sharpe of Peru; sisters-in-law Rachel (Wade) Brown of Waukesha WI and Jennifer (John) McFadin of Standard IL;  several aunts, uncles and cousins, along with many dear nieces and nephews, none of whom he valued more than Maryn and Korra Damron. Steve was preceded in death by his uncle and cancer buddy, Bob Knottek in July 2024 and his uncle, Billy Krug in 2015.

Memorials may be directed to the family to help fund the Steven J. Mobley Memorial Scholarship for the Truck Driving Certificate program at IVCC, which was established by his stepfather, Ron Marino.  Both Steve and his son Wyatt completed the program, which helped them immensely in their careers.

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