Steven J. "Steve" Courtois

Steven J. “Steve” Courtois, 68, of Keokuk, IA, passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born March 14, 1957, in Oakdale, LA, the son of Ronald J. and Patricia J. (Mecum) Courtois. At the time of Steve’s birth, his father was serving as an active soldier in the United States Army. Steve later moved to Keokuk, where he graduated from Keokuk High School with the Class of 1975. During his school years, he played on the basketball and baseball teams.

On November 15, 1986, Steve was united in marriage to Cathleen “Cathie” Swainey at First Christian Church in Keokuk. She survives.

Other survivors include four children, Keegan C. Courtois (Deanna), Kayleigh M. Glick (James), Taylor D. Courtois and Caleb VerDught, bonus sons, Brent Mason and Jeff Mason; eight grandchildren, Avaeah Anne Courtois, Jackson Louis Courtois, Nolan Craig Courtois, Bryleigh Ann Glick, Trevis James Glick, Kinleigh Mae Glick, Ember Rain Courtois, Simon Fritz Courtois, and; one brother, Jeff A. Courtois; one sister, Laura J. Mahoney (John); along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and a multitude of cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his infant twin sisters, Joni and Jeri Courtois.

Steve had a diverse and hardworking employment history throughout his life. His first job was at the Hoerner YMCA as a Junior Leader at the Youth Activity Center. He later worked at Sheller Globe, Wilkins Pipe and Supply, ADM, Midwest Carbide, and most recently at Roquette, until his retirement.

Steve was a faithful member of First Christian Church in Keokuk, where his faith played a vital role in his life. He was baptized on his birthday, March 14, 1999, at the age of 42, joking that he was “the best preacher’s wife.” He served as a co-leader of the Chi Rho and CYF youth groups and devoted countless hours to coaching and mentoring young people.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Steve volunteered as a coach through the YMCA beginning in his junior high years. He coached basketball for St. Vincent’s and proudly for his own children and also umpired softball and refereed basketball games for many years. He was an active member of Elks Lodge #106 in Keokuk.

Steve enjoyed all sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a devoted Iowa Hawkeyes basketball and football supporter. He loved golfing, playing slow-pitch softball, and spending time outdoors, especially fishing.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31 at First Christian Church in Keokuk, with Pastor David Turner officiating.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the church, with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Steve was known for mowing over Cathie’s plants and flowers, so in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, First Christian Church, or the Hoerner YMCA.