Jeffrey Howard "Jeff" Stealy, age 44, of East Moline, died Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Trinity, Rock Island.
Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following services. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 10, 2011 at Christ's Family Church, 4601 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport. Visitation is from 1:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd. 6601-38th Avenue, Moline. Memorials may be made to an educational fund for his children.
Jeff was born February 13, 1966 in Waterloo, IA, the son of Jerry and Judi Geisler Stealy. He married Hope Sunlin on December 6, 1997 in Moline; they later divorced, but remained very close friends.
Jeff was currently employed by Stealy Performance Machine as an automotive machinist specializing in building racing engines. Jeff was an avid drag racer and some of his accomplishments include NHRA Division 5 Super Stock Champion, Mid South Nationals Champion in Super Stock Eliminator, and twice Champion of the Mile High Nationals in Super Stock Eliminator. He also had multiple Stock and Super Stock class wins, and set many NHRA National records. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children.
SURVIVORS
Children Samantha Stealy
Jacob Stealy
His parents
Brother David (Sara) Stealy Arlington, VA
Special friends Hope & Todd Jones Moline
Maternal grandmother Enid Wilson Cedar Falls, IA
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfathers, Ron Geisler Sr. and Ralph Wilson, paternal grandparents, Howard and Dorothy Stealy.
Online condolences may be expressed to Jeff's family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com.
A special thanks to Dan Driscoll, Shannon Carriger, Christ's Family Church in Davenport, the racing community, staff at Trinity Rock Island and everyone who helped with Jeff's care through his illness.
Visitation Details
Sunday, January 9th, 2011, 1:00pm - 6:00pm, Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory
Service Details
Monday, January 10th, 2011, 11:00am, Christ's Family Church