Obituary for
Steven Coats
Steven Lee Coats, of Green Bay, passed away unexpectedly at home earlier this month, a few weeks shy of his 64th birthday. He was born on September 27, 1952, in Dayton, OH, to the Rev. Russell and Virginia Coats, while Rev. Coats was attending seminary. He lived in northern Illinois for most of his childhood, graduating from La Moille High School in La Moille, IL, in 1970. He met his wife, Linda Osborn, when they attended church together in grade school in Peoria. Their families were very close, and remained so after Rev. Coats was assigned to another parish and Steve's family moved away. Steve and Linda married on December 26, 1976, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, IL.
Steve spent most of his career in the automotive industry. He and Linda moved to Green Bay in 1978 when Allan's Tire and Auto opened, and he worked there for over 20 years. He loved to bowl, play softball, and go fishing, but he found his greatest joy in his family. He was a very loving father and grandpa, and he had a soft spot in his heart for all children.
Steve is survived by his wife, Linda; his two daughters, Sarah (Matthew) Tomac and Jessica Payne (Keith Shelton); his grandchildren, Isabella Payne and Nathaniel, Sophia, Natalya, and Kyria Lee Tomac; his parents, Rev. Russell and Virginia Coats; brothers Timothy and Paul (Gerianne) Coats; sisters Robin (Mark) Gauss, Susan (Brian) Buchanan, and Jennifer Coats (Dave Snyder); mother-in-law Donna Osborn; brother-in-law Brad (Sue) Osborn; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Carlos Dizon Coats.
A private ceremony honoring his life will be held at East Jordan United Methodist Church in Sterling, IL, where his father and maternal grandfather both served as pastors. If you would like to honor Steve, please consider making a donation in his name to the Jackie Nitschke Center (www.jackienitschkecenter.com/donations) or to the charity of your choice.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference."
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