Steven W. Ress passed away Monday, August 24, 2026, at Eastmont in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Steven was born September 14, 1956, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Willard and Colleen Ress. Steven grew up in Lincoln, graduated from Southeast High School in 1974, and received his bachelor’s degree from UNL in 1978. Steven started his military career in the Marines and later joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country for three decades and achieving the title of Captain. While stateside, yet remaining in the military, Steven met Jennie, and they married in November of 1984. Steven took on the role of stepdad to Jennie’s two boys, Tracy and Jason, and Steven and Jennie would go on to have two daughters, Stephanie and Sarah. Steven was an editor and reporter for the Waverly newspaper for several years, where he often had his four kids assisting in reporting on area ball games and developing film. Steven eventually went on to become the Communications Coordinator for the UNL Water Center, a position from which he would retire.
Steven was a member of the National Rifle Association and Vine Congregational UCC, where he served on the trustee board and church council. He was a devoted husband and father, instilling a strong work ethic and a love of cleanliness and a well-cared-for yard. Whether Husker football, basketball, or volleyball, you could find Steven cheering on those on the court or field. Steven also grew up with dachshunds and had them through most of his life, always willing to share his ice cream and his napping chair with them.
Steven was an avid gun collector and shared his love of guns and shooting with his children and grandchildren, as he enjoyed going to Jason’s farm and shooting with the family. Steven also enjoyed old cars and cared well for his 1972 LTD and “Old Blue,” a blue 1954 Ford. He would often go for drives in “Old Blue” with the kids, listening to oldies as they drove. Steven enjoyed classic rock and attended many concerts in Lincoln with Sarah. Steven loved to read, especially books about military history, and shared his love of books with many. He took his coffee the same way he gave out his honest opinion: extra strong and over a cigarette.
Steven leaves behind his wife, Jennie; sons, Tracy Jones (Teresa) and Jason Jones (Jodie); daughters, Stephanie Schaer (Adam) and Sarah Ress; thirteen grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Steven was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Colleen Ress, and his sister, Sandra Moats.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27th, at Wyuka Funeral Home from 5–7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 28, at 10 a.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home.
Steven would be honored to know that his friends and family are wearing their flannel, concert, or Husker shirts as we celebrate his life on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to the family to be designated at a later date.
Steven’s Service will be livestreamed HERE
Capt! Forever my shipmate! Although I only knew you briefly. Your presence was truly impactful. Salute sir! Fair winds and following seas.
My great Seabee neighbor and friend, I’ll sure miss stopping by and visiting with you about our Germany trips and Seabee/Navy days together!
Calm seas, Captain. Donna and I will never forget you and the great times we had in Hawaii aboard USS Benjamin Stoddert.
My niece and I were telling Steve stories last night. I enjoyed working with him at the newspaper and can still hear some of his comments. Good and bad! Not uncommon for me to say i learned that from Steve. He definitely will have a chapter in my book.
Jason, Jodie and families of Steve Ress, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. From reading the obituary he sounds like a great man, father and grandfather. May you cherish the memories for years to come.
Rest in peace old friend, many good memories with you and your dad through the past years, God bless you and your family, Until we meet again , God speed. Dave & Doug Dey
I met Steve while attending St Paul United Church of Christ. We were in the same confirmation class. Later we were introduced to his wife Jennie and their families. I saw him recently at the April Sampson Cancer Center. I had a brief conversation with him. Prayers and blessing to his family at this difficult time. May God Bless each of you!
Years at the UNL Water Center were more enjoyable and bearable having Steve as a colleague. His sense of humor and personnel and professional skills were always frequent and helpful in troding through the maze of bureaucracy.
We shared an appreciation for our times in the US military. I greatly admired his years in Navy civil affairs after active duty..
We shared a love of old and unique cars but not of weapons. But Steve as a real human and gentleman in interactions with persons who could discuss issues and viewpoints and still be great friends and colleagues.
As a former 1LT U S Army I salute you Captain Ress.
Bob Kuzelka
As communication director for the Water Center, I interacted with Steve on multiple occasions as he highlighted our research over the years. He was so easy to work with and always produced a top notch easy read.
He certainly helped to advanced my career and I am eternally grateful for his efforts .
God Bless you Steve!
Steve Comfort