SPRINGFIELD, IL – Carl passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, June 2, 2021, at home after a battle with cancer.

He was born in Springfield on August 2, 1941, to Louis and Elizabeth (Keller) Steinmacher. Carl is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Louis Jr., George, Joseph and John Steinmacher; and his beloved daughter, Carlea Steinmacher Wiedner.

Carl, known to most as "Boom Boom," lived a life of doing what he loved most. After completing his second year of high school, Carl decided school wasn't for him and, with his parents' blessing, joined the Army. He served from 1958-1961 as a member of the 1 ^st Missile Battalion, 33 ^rd Artillery, Barton barracks in Ansbach, Germany. It was here that he learned and loved the art of explosives. Upon returning home to Springfield, he went to work for Kroger Grocery.

It was in 1971, at the request of friends celebrating a July 4 ^th anniversary with professional grade fireworks, that Carl reconnected with his Army experience. He traveled to Osco, Illinois to learn the ropes and was offered a job. It was then a new era began with Stars and Stripes Fireworks of Springfield, Illinois. He retired the company in 2004 and became lead pyrotechnician of Nostalgia Fireworks.

Over the next 50 years, five generations of memories would be created for folks across central Illinois as he put on shows lighting up the skies. He created the oohs and aahs at the Illinois State Fair starting in the Jim Thompson era, the Springfield races, LincolnFest, Sangamon County Fair, Rock the Dock, First Night, the Susan G. Komen Fun Run, Muni, multiple school drama productions and backyard parties across the capitol city.

Proud to be a veteran himself, Carl also provided military effects for reenactments at Fort Massac in Metropolis, Illinois. He boomed his way of the tops of the grandstand acts like B.B. King, the Beach Boys and Willie Nelson, never sacrificing a great show over safety, and his shows did not disappoint.

Carl is survived by two sisters, Dolores Young and Betty Ann (Arnold) Kochman, both of Springfield; several nieces and nephews; and very close firework family friends.

The rite of cremation will be honored and a private service will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail 224 Twin Oaks Drive, Rochester, IL 62563 or the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Thanks for lighting up the skies, Boom Boom!