Meet the Crew
The Stier Family
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Captain Kevin Stier
Captain Kevin Stier began his nautical career in his early 20s working aboard the Julia Belle Swain in
Peoria, Illinois. He worked for the late, Captain Dennis Trone, who was an aviator, naval architect, entrepreneur, and creator of the Julia Belle Swain, the Talisman, and the Riverboat Twilight.
Captain Kevin worked his way from deckhand to pilot and has stories the stories to prove it!
Captain Stier also spent thirteen years working for Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque, Iowa as Marine Director. In 2006, he and co-owner, Carrie, purchased the Twilight and continued operations on the Upper Mississippi river between the Quad-Cities and Dubuque, Iowa.
In the off season, Captain Kevin loves traveling. This past winter, he traveled with his kids to Thailand! He also enjoys dabbling in his various hobbies that include but are not limited to: marblemaking, woodworking, glass-melting, and gun-collecting. Aside from breezy, sunny days in the pilot house, Captain Kevin’s picture of paradise would be relaxing outside in a hammock with a bowl of homemade pie and ice cream.
Make sure you stop up in the pilot house and pay him a visit during your cruise. He loves telling and hearing good stories and he may even let you steer the boat!
Captain Stier currently holds a 1600-ton Master of Great Lakes and Inland Waterways on its 5th issue. He was recently appointed by the Jo Daviess County Board as a member of the Upper Mississippi River International Port District.
Captain Stier is a long serving member of the PVA having spent a number of years on the Board of Directors as well as chairing the Regulatory Committee; he has most recently held the positions of Secretary Treasurer and Vice President.
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Carrie Stier
Carrie has worked for the Riverboat Twilight for over 35 years. She began as a reservationist in Peoria, Illinois, also working for Captain Dennis Trone. Captain Dennis Trone was a close mentor and role model of hers, and she remembers him fondly whenever she leaves the office, forgets something, and has to come back.
Carrie is the backbone to this whole operation and takes care of everything passengers don’t see on a day-to-day
basis. From advertising to payroll, souvenirs to invoices, Carrie is steering the boat in her own way.
Outside of work, Carrie loves crafting in her she-shed, creating cosplay costumes, and listening to podcasts. She is also active in her community. Carrie serves on the PTO, is the queen of the high school concession stand, and was just elected to serve as Scales Mound Village President.
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Captain Jacob Stier
Jacob has worked as a deckhand since he was in 8th grade and over time, earned his pilot’s license.
You can find Jacob piloting, tying up lines, calling distances, doing repairs in the hull, and generally keeping the Twilight in tip-top shape!
In his time off—which is rare—Jacob can be found reading epic fantasy novels or watching anime. Jacob and his wife, Emilee, also love spending time with their pets and ordering pizza.
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Emily Stier
Emily began working on the Twilight alongside her late uncle when she was 13. She helped him prepare salads and desserts in the galley a few trips each summer.
Since then, she spent her summers working as a waitress, in the gift shop, in the galley, taking reservations, but never behind the pilot wheel!
Emily currently oversees group sales and marketing for the Twilight.
In her spare time, which is admittedly more than her brother’s, Emily enjoys crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, cooking, scrapbooking, and watching trashy TV. Emily and her fiancé, Garrett, also like traveling, spending time with friends, and finding deals at antique shops.
The Crew
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The majority of our crew works seasonally. Some stay and some go, but we are always grateful for their pleasant nature and hard work ethic. One of the biggest praises we receive is regarding our wonderful crew. We hope you have a memorable experience onboard the Riverboat Twilight!