Steven Gardine

A Mass of Christian Burial for Steven E. Gardine will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Smithfield, Nebraska, with Father Jay Buhman as Celebrant.  Following the Mass, cremation will take place.

Steven E. Gardine, 68 years of age, of Bertrand, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege.  Steve was born July 28, 1956, in Holdrege, Nebraska, the second of three children born to Harry D. and Phyllis M. (Fox) Gardine. He received his education from Bertrand Community School, graduating with the class of 1975.  He was an accomplished wrestler during his high school years and participated with rodeo for 13 years. Steve was also active with NSAA, and placed second in the State Meet in 1975.

Following his education, he began farming and ranching with his family.  Steve continued to help with the family farming and ranching operations and then went to work for Tyson Fresh Meats in Lexington, Nebraska.

On December 23, 1990, Steve was united in marriage to Anita Yates. The couple were blessed with two daughters: Dallas and Cheyenne.  They would later divorce.

Steve enjoyed riding bulls and rodeoing, in his younger years, and working outside on his lawn and garden. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents:  father, Harry Gardine in 1982; step-father, Kenneth Maaske in 1991; mother, Phyllis Maaske in 2020; his sister, Connie Brooks; and a niece, Amy Furlong.

Steve leaves to celebrate his life, his daughters:  Dallas Gardine and her significant other, William Gibbons of rural Riverdale, Nebraska; and Cheyenne Gardine and Ryan Joy of Holdrege; sixgrandchildren: Caden, Aubrey, Swayzee, Hayzen, Arista, and Ariyah; and three bonus grandchildren: Reed, Braxlynn, and Briggs; his brother, Mike Gardine and his wife, Mary Jane of rural Bertrand; a brother-in-law, Paul Brooks of Bertrand; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Smithfield.   A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

A memorial has been established in Steve's honor and kindly suggested to the family for future designation.

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.