Stephen K. Larsen

Stephen “Steve” Larsen, 70, of Kearney passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Casual attire is requested for those attending. Steve was born to Elmer “Bill” and Letha Larsen on May 22, 1953, in Kearney. Steve grew up in Kearney and graduated from Kearney High School. He completed a two-year degree at Central Community College in Hastings in the Auto Body program. Steve was a skilled technician and was employed by Dan’s Body Shop in Gibbon, Turner Body Shop, Kizzier Chevrolet and Eaton Corporation all in Kearney, and later opened his own business, Steve’s Body Shop. Steve was a skilled painter and welder and always had pride in his work. Steve never married, but enjoyed his treasured family. Kids, especially the nieces and nephews all loved Steve and he was a favorite uncle. He enjoyed raising a big garden and sharing with friends and family. He was an excellent cook and even did canning of vegetables. Food was an important part of Steve’s life and he especially liked sweets and chocolate. Favorite places to eat were Tex’s Café, Perkins, Long John Silvers, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and “all you can eat” shrimp at Red Lobster. He enjoyed family gatherings and never missed a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Memorial Day celebration with his family. In his early life, Steve worked hard and enjoyed many friends. He liked “muscle cars” and vintage vehicles. Steve especially enjoyed helping his nephew, Chris, restore a 1966 GMC pickup that is currently on display at the Classic Car Collection in Kearney. Steve will be missed by his siblings, Dennis, (Connie) Larsen, Ron Larsen of Kearney, Sharon (Gary) Myers of Shelton and Linda (Greg) Brodine of Gibbon. The Larsen siblings frequently referred to themselves as “our brother’s keeper.” He will also be missed by his nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Steve was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Nancy Larsen; and extra special nephew, Chris Larsen. Memorials are suggested to Salvation Army and Crossroads in Kearney. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Stephen K. Larsen

May 22, 1953 - December 10, 2023