Steven Eugene Donahoo of Utica, Nebraska (formerly Lincoln) passed away after a long battle with leukemia on May 27, 2020 at the age of 54. He lived most of his life in Lincoln. Steve was not only a role model for his family but for many families in the neighborhood. He was called legend by many. Steve had a passion for many things: riding his motorcycle, cooking for family and friends especially for July 4th, Santa Claus, decorating for Halloween, Charlie Brown specials and recently started his new hobby of wood working; Steve worked at Smithfield foods for over 35 years. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Chuck and LaVerna (Vernie) Donahoo.
He is survived by his loving wife Melissa, brother and sister-in-law Scott and Amy, sons Nathan, Chris, Zach, Brandon, and Jesse, and father figure to the Avila and Belford children. 12 grandchildren, many special friends.
Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers be sent to Wyuka Funeral Home, in care of Steve which will be used in part to pay forward for other leukemia patients to help them as he was helped.
Celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Steve will be interred at Wyuka Cemetery on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Please bring a mask to wear to protect yourselves and our loved ones and continue to practice social distancing.
We are so sorry for the loss of Steve. He left a giant footprint on this earth. He will be missed so much. We are grateful his life touched ours.
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 deepest condolences, Steve was a customer and friend of mine for many years. Gone too soon, he will be missed.
Scott and family, I’m so very sorry to hear of the loss of Steve. He was always so funny and loving. I wish I lived closer so I could be there on Thursday but please know I’m there in Spirit.
Thinking of you my Cousin, love to you all on this awful day…Hugs ! Karen (Scott if you want to reach me please call me..352-606-1166)
Sorry for your loss, Melissa. I didn’t know Steve very well but know he was a fine family man taken way too soon! Hope you can keep his memory in your heart forever.
Take care of yourself.
Marge Davenport
Cuz you will be greatly missed! You were great to grow up with. Give my dad, grandma Rose and grandpa big hugs from me.
I love you!!! Shine as bright in Heaven as you did here!
You fought a fabulous fight!!!
Scott and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was always such a great guy and he was always so kind to me. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers. Ride on, Steve.
Our prayers and sympathy go out to the family
So sorry I thought when we seen him in the hospital the last time things was looking good He will be missed
Melissa call us if we can help in anyway Or you just want to talk
He’s in no more pain and is riding the golden highways and hills
Melissa and Family, We are so sorry for Steve’s passing. He will be greatly missed.
I am so so sorry that he is gone but I know He will live in your heart forever. He was very special and taught the boys well,many things they needed to know to get by in this life. Not only your 5 boys but the neighbors too. I am here for you Missy,just a phone call away
A STORY ABOUT TWO CLOSE FRIENDS SHARING A GREAT DAY
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!