Stephen David Backmeyer, 85, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away October 16, 2026 at Trinity Rock Island Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. A private family burial will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Chippiannock Cemetery in Rock Island. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests any donations be made to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation or The Augustana Fund for Financial Aid.

Stephen was born in Richmond, Indiana, on March 3, 1941, to David Paul and Virginia (Youngflesh) Backmeyer. His family first lived in Marion, Indiana, then in 1953 moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and later in 1956 made their final home on Key Biscayne, Florida. Stephen and his brother enjoyed their new home on a former coconut plantation during their high school and college years. Stephen's activities included causeway and spear fishing on Virginia and Biscayne Keys, swimming, exploring undeveloped portions of Key Biscayne, and working during college vacations and holidays at the Miami Seaquarium. Stephen graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1959, and attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, graduating in 1963 (B.S., Mathematics) and again in 1966 (M.Ed., Counseling Psychology).

Upon graduation, Stephen began employment at Augustana College, Rock Island, starting as Assistant Dean of Men and Director of Men's Housing, and later as Director of Residential Life, and Associate Dean of Students specializing in student academic and conduct issues. For many years Stephen additionally served as the Hearing Officer for the Rock Island Public Schools. Stephen met his wife-to-be, LaDonna, in 1975, they married in 1976, and began a loving and happy life together until LaDonna's death in 2001. With his marriage, Stephen was gifted with two stepchildren, Michelle and Michael. In 1978 they were joined by Stephen and LaDonna's son, Kristjan.

Among other things Stephen learned were: how to write an obituary in the third person; to sail a fifty-foot ketch from Biscayne Bay to Nassau, Bahamas; how to overcome a fear of heights by obtaining a private pilot license and flying to various places in the USA and Canada; how to legally fly an airplane under a bridge (seaplane landing); how to find happiness in life by developing a strong sense of humor, partnering with a very special woman, and finding a tremendously interesting and rewarding profession helping young people cope with the demands of college, adolescence, lack of life experience, and (for males) testosterone.

Stephen is survived by his son Kristjan Backmeyer (Susan) of Moline; stepchildren Michelle Ryder (Charlie) of Burlington, Kentucky and Michael Botta (Dawn) of Narrows, Virginia; step-grandchildren Emily Rose Geiger (Ben) of Verona, Kentucky, Kyle Ryder of Burlington, Kentucky, and Charles Hendricks of Mount Pleasant, North Carolina; and step-great-grandchildren Raven Hendricks, Wyatt Lowe, and Willow Geiger. Stephen is also survived by his brother, Thomas Backmeyer (Maggie) of Fort Mill, South Carolina; sister-in-law Julie Peurasaari of Alanson, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, LaDonna (Breidfjord) Backmeyer; step-grandson, Chad Ryder; and step-great-granddaughter, Maggie Lowe.