Steven "Steve" Johnson

It is with profound sadness that the family of Steven Johnson announce his passing from this world on October 10, 2024, at The Oaks in Central City. He was 73 years old. We ask that you join us on Friday October 18 th , 10:00 am, at the Solt Wagner Community Room in Central City for some diet coke and donuts (his favorites) while we celebrate the life of this wonderful man. The Eagles will be hosting a luncheon following the service. Memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Solt-Wagner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Steve was born March 16, 1951, in Nampa Idaho. The second eldest of 5 siblings, he was a lifelong athlete, comedian and mentor. He grew up in Idaho, Washington and Utah graduating from Box Elder High School in 1970. After an impressive high school athletic career, he attended Washington State University where he played football for the Cougars. Unfortunately, an injury his sophomore year put an end to his preferred career of being an NFL tackle. Work with his family brought him to Nebraska shortly after. There he met and married Janet Wintermote in 1974. The couple had four children whom they love beyond measure. After their divorce, Steve chose to stay in Nebraska to raise his children. His career took him down many paths including: Electrician, Cable Installer and the Board of Reclamation, but he found his calling with the Nebraska Department of Roads. He began working in the Kearney office, and worked his way up via departments in Ord and Grand Island until he reached the position of Project Manager. He was with DOR for nearly thirty years before his retirement. Sports was always one of his passions. Even while working long hours and minding his own kids at home, Steve found a way to create and coach a “Fundamentals of Basketball” program focused on teaching kids ages 5 to 8 how to dribble, pass, and shoot. He had these programs in Riverdale, Scotia and Central City for several years. He truly enjoyed teaching and interacting with the children. He loved the sport of Basketball, and he loved making people smile. Steve was also active with the Fraternal Order of Eagles and enjoyed shooting pool outof the Independent Club. He enjoyed taking his family to his “home” in Idaho and Utah for fishing trips and family reunions. Steve was truly in his element when in hip waders in the middle of the Snake River waiting for a big fish to bite. Some may remember him as “Steve-O,” “Daddy-O,” or “Coach Steve” - but all will remember his humor and his kind heart. From his “Ed Grimley” impressions to his willingness to build a horse pen in a day, he always demonstrated his love, humor and dedication to family. He was always ready with a good joke (which he would laugh the hardest at) or a listening ear (where he would give the best advice). There was nothing more that he loved in this world than his family. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. To say he will be missed is the world’s biggest understatement. While we are heartbroken that he is gone, we are thankful that he is reunited with his parents and grandparents (Memaw and Bompa). Steve is survived by three daughters- Lisa (Seth) Harder of Plainview, NE; Jenny Peck of Norfolk, NE; and Shelly Johnson of Central City, NE; one son- Jeff Johnson of Central City, NE; three brothers- Doug (Cathy) Johnson of Montana; Larry (Becky) Johnson and Chuck (Vicki) Johnson all of Utah; and sister- Sue (Neil) McGill of Utah; 7 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents- Dale and Lucille Garner (Memaw and Bompa)

Steven "Steve" Johnson

March 16, 1951 - October 11, 2024