Died Wednesday August 17, 2022 at the VA Hospital in Omaha
Steven was born September 22, 1951 in Decatur, Ill. to Eugene and Margaret 'Koch' Smith. He was raised in Decatur and graduated from MacArthur High School in 1969. Steven served during the years of 1971 to 1975 in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service he worked at UPS as a manager, then retired from Ryder Logistics.
On August 28, 2004 Steven married Shari Livingston and they made their home in Fremont.
Steven had a great love for his country and fellow service members. He was the faith leader for his family and friends. His greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved them so much and was so proud to be their ''papa.'' He loved woodworking, painting, leather work and making pens.
Survivors:
Wife - Shari of Fremont
Children - Shani (Rob) Smith of Omaha
Tara (Chad) Valla of Bennet
Abbie (Ryan) Peterson of Brandon, SD.
Jessie (Nick) Czerok of Pierson, FL.
Grandchildren - Isaiah Smith, Elijah Smith, Sahler Smith, Trenton Karli and Jase Peterson
Brother - Bruce (Sheila) Smith of Sherman, TX.
Sister - Karen Wildman of Cerro Gordo, IL.
Mother-in-law - Marilyn Livingston of Fremont
Brother-in-law - Doug Livingston of Fremont
Sister-in-law - Susan Livingston Jones of Fremont
many nieces, nephews and other family
Steven was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont beginning at 9am. The funeral will follow at 10am also at the chapel on Saturday. Burial with Military Honors will be in Ridge Cemetery in Fremont. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Hazel Keene YMCA Lodge (3402 W. Military) In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Open Door Mission, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or to the Donor's choice.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(3)
Rhonda Shumake
Fremont, NE Tuesday, August 30, 2022 ShariI'm so sorry to see this! Steve was such a nice guy. I don't keep up with things very well and I'm sorry for not getting to you earlier. He struggled with his health and always seemed in great spirits. May he rest peacefully now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Jay Bang & Rhonda Shumake
Suzie McDaniel
College Station, TX Sunday, August 21, 2022 I had hoped to meet Steve this summer when I had returned to Fremont for Shari and my class reunion but unfortunately he was too ill. Let me say that after watching the funeral service I can tell you he is still an inspiration, making me want to be a better person and example to my grandchildren. I feel like I have met him and am looking forward to getting to know him better in our forever home.William Gibson
Fremont, NE Thursday, August 18, 2022 I grieve all Service personnel that pass away and my grief is even deeper for Steve may I walk a pay that is as true and full of love of life as Steve has. As a neighbor I was a recipient of his greatness ,Steve may not have been great like those whose name titles an encyclopedia article his greatness shown by his respect for his fellow child of God. Now that Steve sits with angels and saints he will always advocate for the great people that stand for faith in God and love of Country I will miss him terribly.