Oh – WOW! What a shock to hear of Steve’s passing. My condolences go out to you Melissa and your family. As you know Steve and I worked together many years at Smithfield. We shared many wonderful stories and blessed times together. I was always impressed on how Steve handled many difficult work situations that sometimes involved dealing with difficult personnel. He had the gift of compassion and wisdom which is very rare. Steve was such a pleasure to work with and he helped smooth out the bumps on many work related projects. I know that he loved you and his family dearly. He will be missed by his family and many others including me. May God bless you and your family as you walk through this valley.

My name is Robert Burianek
I physically can’t be at Steve’ funeral because I am visiting the Philippines so I am sharing with you a little story of what Steve and I did together which I will always hold dear to my heart! I could share many stories but this one is very special in my heart!
Steve and I were coworkers at Cooks Family Food! We were both Supervisors of our respective departments! Steve in Quality Control and I was in the smokehouse! We became very good friends over the years!
The Lied hiking and biking bridge was being dedicated in 2002! Since we were riding our bicycles together we decided to make that sponsored ride I think it was about 40 or so miles from Peter Pan Park to South Bend! We rode on the MoPac Trail all the way to Wabash, Nebraska! After leaving Wabash we kind of got lost! We put on extra miles but we finally got there for the dedication! We had dinner and watched the dedication of the bridge! We took pictures for the dedication and riding on the bridge!
Since that time riding on that dedication ride I have been across that bridge many times on the BRAN TOURS( Bike Ride across Nebraska) when I was riding across that bridge I always remembered our ride of that day! We had fun together and it allowed us to share a common interest in cycling! We also played guitar together! I used to love to jam with Steve!
Easy going guy and a whole bunch of fun! Steve will always have a special place in my heart! I know he will be missed!
Melissa I give you my heartfelt condolences of losing a special person in your life! I know you two were together for a long time! Both of you fought this terrible disease really hard! You were Steve’s strength as he was yours! The time you and Steve had together is very special! He is here spiritually for you and his family!
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Steve’s family! Take the special memories and remember the good times! Your father was a very special person who will be forever in your hearts!
I know he will always be in mine!

P.S.
Wondering about our ride back to Lincoln? We took a shuttle back to Lincoln! We decided to pop a couple of beers at Kelli’s Pub!