Frederick J. Steffen 1934-2021
Frederick J. Steffen, a lawyer, father, and lifelong resident of Elgin, IL, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2021, at the age of 87.
Fred is survived by his children, Julie (Detlev Pansch), John (Kerry Kelly), and Bob (Ketki Shroff); his grandchildren, Joan, Chloe, Lili, Abby, Nika, Alyssa, Liam, and Tristan; his siblings, Nate and Grant Steffen, Lorna Schrock, and Ellie Hanchett; and his beloved dog, Willow.
He's predeceased by his wife, Judy Steffen; and his siblings, Anne Carroll, Barbara Phelps, and Garth Steffen.
Fred was born on August 18, 1934, in the basement of the family home at 164 N. Gifford Street, Elgin, Illinois to Rose and Ezra Steffen. Illinois state champion wrestler and Homecoming King at Elgin High School (Class of 1952), Fred graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (with one semester at Elgin Community College) and from John Marshall Law School. He served two years in Tong Du Chon (Little Chicago), South Korea with the U.S. Army Infantry.
A dedicated lawyer and civil rights activist, Fred touched the lives of many people with his legal work and involvement in the Elgin community. He mentored Sara Jo Wiedeman as Kane County's first female private practice lawyer, served as appointed attorney for the Elgin Housing Authority after being sworn in before the U.S. Supreme Court, and provided pro bono services for local churches and social service organizations. His steadfast commitment to public service showed in his early advocacy for racial integration, his organization of the area's first Hike for Hunger, and his successful efforts to arrange for the First Congregational Church of Elgin to celebrate their 150th anniversary by investing in the the expansion of the Elgin Community Crisis Center.
A lifelong passion for politics led Fred to serve as a 1970 Illinois Constitution Convention delegate and a Carter delegate at the 1976 Democratic National Convention. In 1978, he campaigned for U.S. Congress under the catchy slogan 'Fred Instead.' More locally, he was elected to the Elgin Community College board of trustees for a six-year term and served as Kane County Democratic Chairman for 18 years. Various political luminaries have visited his loft for fundraisers and gatherings over the years, including U.S. Senators Paul Simon, Dick Durbin, and Carol Mosley Braun, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, Governor Pat Quinn, Dr. Quentin Young, and President Barack Obama.
Fred is remembered by family, friends, and colleagues as perpetually enthusiastic and upbeat, a beloved mentor to many people near and far. His world travels brought him to every continent except for Africa and Antarctica. Together with Judy, he opened and managed the Italian restaurant, Cafe Magdalena, on Douglas Ave. from 1999 through 2007. He sang as a tenor in both the First Congregational Church Choir and the Elgin Choral Union (now Master Chorale) and was an avid nature lover who always took the time to learn the names of all the birds and plants around him.
A memorial service in Fred's honor will take place in Elgin in early June (please email FredSteffenMemorial@gmail.com for further updates).
To carry on his legacy, contributions may be donated in his name to the Elgin Community Crisis Center and the Anderson Animal Shelter. Laird Funeral Home, Elgin, is assisting the family. 847-741-8800