Stephen A. Willey

Stephen A. Willey, 84, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Friday, December 12, 2025, at Kahl Home, Davenport, surrounded by his family.

A gathering to celebrate Steve’s life will be held in next summer – details will be announced at a later date. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

Stephen Arthur Willey was born January 1, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Robert and Harriet (Nippert) Willey. He married Georgia Profusek, and together they had four children. Although they later separated, they remained close and shared a lasting friendship.

After earning a business degree from Bowling Green University, Steve began a distinguished 50-year career in accounting, finance, and operations. He started as an auditor and CPA with Ernst & Ernst (now Ernst & Young), where he rose to the level of Manager before leaving to join B.F. Goodrich. At Goodrich, he served first as Director of Operational Analysis and later as Corporate Controller, and during his tenure there he was selected to attend Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program, an honor reserved for rising leaders within the company.

Steve went on to hold senior leadership roles with Kimberly-Clark in Wisconsin and later served as Chief Financial Officer at E.&J. Gallo Winery in California. He subsequently became a Partner in The Fintech Group, and in the later years of his career served as Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Health, where he continued to work alongside trusted colleagues and friends.

Steve traveled extensively early in his career visiting many countries and continents. A “wicked smart” lifelong learner, he was an avid reader with a deep curiosity about the world. Former colleagues recalled Steve as a gifted mentor and leader—smart, hardworking, and deeply devoted to his team. Many credited him with shaping their careers, noting that his guidance and example remained influential long after they moved into senior leadership roles of their own. He was also a spiritual man who devoted much time to studying different religions, always seeking deeper understanding and clarity about the meaning of life.

Steve had a rare gift for connecting with people from all walks of life. He was a kind and thoughtful man who was deeply involved in his children’s lives, faithfully supporting their many sports and activities and even coaching his son’s soccer team. His presence, encouragement, and wisdom left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Steve is survived by his four children and their spouses, Robert and Jennifer Willey of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Stephen “Matt” and Julie Willey of Modesto, California, Laurel and Mark VanKlaveren of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Rachel and Joseph Randolph of Merced, California; nine grandchildren, Emily, Samuel, Eleanor, Jacob (Morgan), Nicholis (Kelsey), Ryan, Collin, Carter, and Anna; four great-grandchildren (Kennedy, Westen, Serenity, and Connor) with one on the way; and his former wife, Georgia Willey. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sally Johnson.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.