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.