01/28/2026
Stephen Allen Ingold
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Stephen “Steve” Allen Ingold, 76, of Goodland, IN. Steve answered God's call on the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2026, from St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. He was welcomed into this world on July 3, 1949, by his parents, Frederick & Gladys Ingold.
Steve graduated from Rankin Public School, a member of the class of 1963. From there, he went on to serve in the United States Air Force, discharging after 4 years from the Scott Air Force Base close to Shilo, Illinois. When he returned to civilian life, Steve began working under Co-Alliance at the grain elevators. Steve was a very hard worker, a trait that stuck with him till the very end- this is where his mind returned him to as he neared the end, and he remarked to the nurses at his bedside that it was time to “put their hard hats on” and see to the next car coming through.
Steve married Linda L. (Bailey) Ingold on August 13, 1988. They shared over 30 years of marriage until her death in 2020.
Steve’s time at the grain elevator allowed him to get up close and personal to many trains, which was a highlight of the job. He always enjoyed seeing Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 when it made a stop in Watseka, IL. Steve’s exposure to trains soon made him very knowledgeable on them- a knowledge which he loved ot share, especially with his son, Chad. Steve taught Chad how to read the markings on the cabs of steam locomotives and about the different wheel arrangements, and Chad now shares the passion for steam locomotives and UP 4014.
Steve was an avid gardener who found peace and purpose working the soil. He took great pride in his gardens and in sharing both his harvest and his knowledge with others. Gardening was another of his hobbies that he enjoyed sharing with Chad, passing along insights earned through years of experience. Steve also had a lifelong appreciation for tractors, with a particular fondness for Case IH. Trips to the Half Century Farm Progress Show in Rantoul, Illinois, with daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jared, were highlights for him (till Julie messed that up and took over running the parking lots), combining his love of machinery with time spent with family.
Steve shared a particularly special bond with his granddaughter, Lois. Time spent with her was among his greatest joys. When Lois began to talk, she and Grandpa Steve would have phone conversations of their own, a simple pleasure that meant the world to him. He delighted in her surprise visits and cherished every moment they spent together. One of his favorite recent memories was taking a trip to the zoo with Lois this past May—an outing he spoke of with pride and joy.
Beyond the garden and the field, Steve enjoyed flea markets and the simple pleasure of being with friends and family. He had a good-natured sense of humor and never missed an opportunity to give Julie a hard time—especially when the Illinois basketball team faced Purdue. After Chad was ordained as a Transitional Deacon, Steve took great interest in helping him brainstorm homily ideas and enjoyed reading Chad’s homilies, offering encouragement and thoughtful feedback.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Gladys Ingold; his wife, Linda Ingold; his granddaughter, Monroe Wolflin; and his brother, Herbert Ingold.
He is survived by his children, Chad (Ryan) Brakhane-Ingold of Holiday Shores (Edwardsville), Illinois, and Julie (Jared) Wolflin of Rantoul, Illinois; his granddaughter, Lois Wolflin; his brothers, Richard Ingold of Gibson City, Illinois, and John (Michelle) Ingold of Rankin, Illinois; and his sister, Margaret (Dewey) Knollenberg of Lincoln, Illinois.
In keeping with Steve’s wishes, following his cremation, a visitation for Steve will be held at Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Home ~ Goodland Chapel, on Monday, February 2, 2026, beginning at 12:00 P (CT), followed by a memorial service beginning at 1:00 P (CT). Due to the inclement weather, interment of Steve’s cremated remains will wait until things warm up a bit (Brr, it’s cold out there!) We ask that you join us again, if able, on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 12:00 P (CT) at Riverside Cemetery in Brook, IN. Military honors will be administered at the graveside.
Steve will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, quiet wisdom, and deep love for his family. Whether tending a garden, sharing knowledge, teasing those he loved, or simply showing up for the people who mattered most to him, Steve lived a life rooted in faith, service, and connection. Those who knew and loved him are forever better for having walked alongside him, and his legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the lessons he shared.
Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Goodland Chapel | 119 W. Union St. Goodland, IN 47948 | (219) 297-3583 | KellerFH.com
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