Stephen Fortner Obituary

Its almost been a year since my father has passed. I would like to thank everyone for your support through the troubling times we have had. I have to say my father would be happy to know that his family has seen so much love and support from all of you. from the bottom of my heart I thank all of you.

Given to me by a Friend,



A Beautiful Native American Prayer:



I give you this one thought to keep,

I am with you still-I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not think of me as gone-

I am with you still-in each new dawn.



Heather

WE MISS YOU STEVE

AN IRISH PRAYER



May God Welcome You into His

Kingdom and until we meet again,

May God hold You in the palm of

His Hand YOUR IRISH FRIENDS

To the entire Fortner Family.

Each day on the way to work and back I drive by the flowers and the cross that people who loved Steve very much left on Irving Park Road. Not a day goes by that I have NOT shed a tear for your lost as I drive by. You have no idea how many hearts Steve has touched even in his death. My prayers are with you. God bless and watch over all of you.

I believe I speak for many folks from the old parish (St. Margaret Mary, Chicago) when I send condolences to the Fortner family. We were shocked and saddened to hear of Steve's untimely death. God Bless the whole Fortner family.



Janet (Barnes) McPartlan

Our hearts go out to you, Joan. I can't even imagine the sorrow you must feel. My memories of Steve go back to Grammar School at St. Margaret Mary's when Steve was in my Cub Scout den. He was always a very gentle boy. Such a sudden death is hard to understand but he is in a much happier place now.

Leah, Nick, Jason, and Kyle,



Grief never ends, But it changes. It’s a passage, Not a place to stay.

The sense of loss must give way, If were to value the life that was lived.

Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, It is the price of love.

Words seem to fail me when I think of Steve and your loss.

You are in my prayers today and always.



With all our love,

Tom, Toni, and Luke

Why are you gone? It is tragic to know I can go longer call you, see you or talk to you.You were a wonderful baby, a good boy, and a great brother to your sisters. We love you very much. I miss you more

than anyone will know. You are in God's Hands Who loves you so much He called you home too early. Mother

Dear Heather and Family,



We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayers are with you and your whole family. Please let us know if we can help in any way.



With deepest sympathy,

thanks everyone for their blessings and being there thru this tough times. he had plenty of love fior everyone, and everyone loved him . i hope no one has to go through what my family has been through but in the end he is in a better place rooting for the cubs and bears and visiting old friends, family, and idols.



thanks for everything dad

Dear Aunt Leah, Nick, Jason, and Kyle.



During these last few days I have been thinking about all the memories of growing up. It wasn't until tonight that I realized I can't think of one time when Steve wasn't smiling. He loved you soooo much, and he was so proud of you all! You were the world to him. And, it is because of his sudden passing that I will give that extra kiss, hug a little longer, and never forget to say - I love you - thank you for reminding me what is really important. I love you all.

Many great memories of being in the park,block parties and Quigley North. Deepest sympathies to all

Dear Joan, and Stephen's family. Words are clumsy things to express my sympathy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers for comfort and strength in your loss. Most sincerely,

Dear Joan, Carole and Jackie--Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We pray for all of you at this time of sadness.

Lucille Hamilton and Lucille Murphy

WHILE READING THROUGH THE SUNDAY PAPER I GLANCED BRIEFLY AT THE OBITUARY SECTION AND NOTICE THAT YOU HAVE LOST YOUR SON/HUSBAND AND FATHER IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT. I DO NOT KNOW YOU BUT I CERTAINTLY FEEL YOUR PAIN BECAUSE I TOO LOST MY FATHER IN A PEDESTRIAN/AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT OUT OF STATE. IT WAS IN 1992 AND I STILL FEEL MY LOST MORE THAN EVER. YOUR, SON/HUSBAND & FATHER WAS VERY YOUNG AND STILL HAD MUCH TO DO ON THIS EARTH. YOU WILL STILL SEE HIM IN YOUR DREAMS SUCH AS I DO MINE. WE JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THEIR SPIRIT LIVES ON AND CAN NEVER DIE AND WE SHALL CERTAINLY SEE THEM AGAIN.

Dear Nick & Family,



May the Lord comfort all of you in this time of deepest sadness.



God's will is mysterious, but remember there is always God's love to help you through these difficult times.



My deepest sympathies.

(Brooke's Mom)

We are very sorry about your terrible loss. We pray that God gives you His strength during this difficult time. We will keep Stephen and you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Heather & Fortner Family,



I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my daily thoughts & prayers at this very difficult time.



With deepest sympathy,



Susan Bumbaris

Joan - My deepest sympathy to your entire family on this tragic loss of your son. Remember that we have been taught that we shall all meet again in God's presence. My prayers go out to you at this heartfelt time. Marilyn N

Steven will be missed dearly. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. Colleen

We will miss you at every family party and barbeque and we will never forget how you gave so generously to all the children at Christmas time. You were a strong father for the boys and a patient loving husband to my sister. You will be missed and remebered forever, Steve.

Dear Joan,



Please accept my deepest sympathy for the death of your son. When one's child dies, I don't think there are any words to describe the sadness you must be feeling. The only consolation seems to be in the message you wrote to him.



Phyllis Paulo

STEVE WILL ALWAYS BE A FOND MEMORY IN MY HEART. GOD BLESS YOU.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless you all.

Jodie, So very sorry to hear of this terrible loss.My prayers are with you and your family. Love, OnaLee

STEVE, I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH.

I WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY. YOU

ARE IN HEAVEN NOW WITH YOUR

HUMAN FATHER AND YOUR HEAVENLY

FATHER. WE WILL ALL MISS YOU

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN.

MOTHER