Robert “Rob” Christopher Steffen, AIA, of Oak Park, died peacefully on Nov. 23, 2025. Born on March 15, 1951 in Chicago to Harriet and Richard Steffen, he grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from Maine South High School, where he participated in football and wrestling.
He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Illinois Chicago and went on to a 45-year career marked by thoughtful, preservation-minded design. He began his career at Holabird & Root and Booth Hansen before founding the Steffen Group. In 2004, he and colleague Lee Schwerin formed Steffen + Schwerin Architects.
He served his community and profession through his involvement as a Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois (LPCI) monitor in Oak Park, a board secretary for the Hemingway Foundation of Oak Park, and an Advisory Board member for the North Side Adult Rehabilitation Center of The Salvation Army.
Known for his gentle nature and quiet strength, he continued practicing architecture after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2012, participating in Rock Steady Boxing and remaining an enduring source of calm and humor for those around him.
Rob is survived by Marion (née Otto), his wife of 51 years; his children, Robbie, Tim (Angela), Barbie (Jordan), and Michael (Alex); his grandchildren, Haddie, Cole, Shane, Emery, Quinn, and Cameron; his siblings, Rick (Fran), Barb (Tom) Spicer, Chris (Dawn), Betsy (Mark) Porst, and Chuck Murphy; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of Rob’s life will take place in the early spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rob’s name may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
