Stephen S. King

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Audubon Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon, Nebraska, on May 2, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Stephen S. King, 77, passed on to the Lord's greener pastures on November 12, 2025 after a long journey with Alzheimer's Disease.

Steve was born on August 25, 1948 to Stanley and Norma (Kreutzer) King. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Gibbon, now known as Rowe Audubon Sanctuary. When he wasn't doing chores, farming, and taking care of cattle, he was chasing his three sisters and fishing in the river with the neighbor kids.

He graduated from Gibbon High School in 1966 and went on to graduate from Kearney State College with a BA in Education. He went on to become a high school English teacher, and coached cross country and wrestling throughout his teaching career at Ord, York, and Gibbon, Nebraska.

While at Kearney State, he met the love of his life, Cyndi Meier, while playing a co-ed softball game. They married at Campus Lutheran in 1974 and later had one daughter, Stephanie.

Steve obtained a Master's Degree from Kearney State College and a Doctorate from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln after writing a very long and time-consuming dissertation. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching, sharing knowledge and camaraderie with his students, athletes, colleagues and student teachers over the years.

Farming, horses, camping, road trips, golf, singing, writing, poetry, and photography were some of his favorite hobbies. Carpentry and construction were of special interest, as he and Cyndi built their first home together, a one-of-a-kind earth home near York. They later moved to Gibbon where they again built their home on Steve's grandfather's farm.

After retiring from teaching, Steve and Cyndi enjoyed road trips, helping Stephanie with projects, and spending time with his sisters and with friends. At family gatherings, he could always be counted on to share a poem or a wise word to the group before a meal.

He is fondly remembered by his wife Cyndi and his daughter Stephanie of Kearney; his sisters Linda Clark, Patty Maurer (Duane McCan), Susan (Mark) Garrett, all of Kearney, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

There will be no visitation or memorial book signing. The family is honoring Steve's wish for cremation.

Memorials in Steve's honor are kindly suggested to the Rowe Audubon Sanctuary.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.