Steven D. Waller

Steven D. Waller

1954 – 2024

Steven D. Waller, 70, gained his angel wings on Friday, May 24, 2024. He was surrounded with the unconditional love of his wife, children and beloved niece. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Holstein with the Pastor Betty Kiboko officiating. Burial will be at the Holstein Cemetery of Holstein. A visitation was held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 4-7 p.m. at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein.

Steve was born to Everett Waller and ‘Esther’ Lucille McLain on Feb. 24, 1954 in Sioux City. He was the husband to his wife, Kristine (Kastner) Waller for 45 years. Steve was an amazing, supporting father to Douglas, Stephanie, Lance and Natalie and proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren: Aubrey, Stella, Ethan, Liam, Jase, Sam, Bo and Delaney.

Steve was the first born, and soon to follow were his sister, Mary Lou, and his brothers, Paul and David. He grew up on a farm in Carroll, Nebraska where he first learned his love of farming. He excelled as a pianist, winning various competitions in younger years.

The family moved to Galva in 1963 where he went to school and gained his nickname of ‘Wally’ playing football and graduating alongside his lifelong friends. After high school, he attended Iowa State University for one semester where he studied Farm Agriculture. While there, he lived with his cousin Melvin Fish making many memories that he loved to share. One of his favorite stories to tell his children was how Mel tricked him into eating his homemade chili that he has cooked with liver. He was always proud to tell you he was an Iowa State Alum.

After returning to Holstein to farm with his father, he met his wife, Kristi. They were joined in marriage June 10, 1978 at the Holstein United Methodist Church.

From this marriage, they welcomed four children. Douglas (Erin Kottich), Stephanie (Brian Short), Lance (Kayla Rasmus), and Natalie (Joseph Tarpey).

They raised their family showing them the perfect example of unconditional love.

As a family, they lived on a farm outside of Galva and mostly farm two miles east of Holstein. During this time, Steve farmed with his dad, showing his children the joy of farming and what hard work could accomplish. Through the years, some of Doug and Steph’s favorite memories were working with their cousins and friends bean barring in the summers. Steve always loved involving family and friends in different farming projects and became an important role model to many.

As a family, vacations were a very important event. Their favorite spot was their many trips to the Black Hills visiting uncle Norval Waller and his family. They also really enjoyed trips with the bike club and the Waller family reunions. We will never see a buffalo without seeing dad making little horns with his fingers to mimic the buffalo and say “Tatanka, tatanka.” The Black Hills were truly Steve’s happy place.

Steve spent a lot of time hunting with “the guys.” It was very important that he taught Doug and Lance how to be true outdoorsmen and respectful of nature. He spent time deer and pheasant hunting with his boys, brother and friends. While he was a hunter, it was more about being with the people and making memories that have lasted a lifetime.

In Steve’s later years, his role as Papa became his most important job. Thanks to his children and awesome daughter and son-in-laws, Steve had eight beautiful grandchildren. Papa would light up when the grandkids were close by. Teaching them things like how to build a campfire, the love of finding cool rocks and treasures, and taking rides on the golf cart are some of his grandchildren’s favorite memories. Papa always had a love of Christmas and finding a special treasure for everyone. This often bought the family many laughs and giggles because they were always “perfect.”

Steve was a lifelong Nebraska Cornhuskers fan. Starting as a child, he was always watching Nebraska football. Going to Memorial Stadium with his sons and brother, Dave, were a highlight of his life. Steve was always a cheesehead and even shared a dance in the rain at Lambeau Field with Mom when he finally got to go to the Packers game with Doug, Lance, Kayla and Natalie. While never being a Hawkeye, dad had a huge heart for the Wave. One of his greatest accomplishments was raising money to buy 75 binoculars for the children of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital. He wanted the families to have a closer look at the game and all of their supporters. It was such a blessing to attend the Iowa game and do the wave.

Throughout Steve’s life, volunteering was extremely important. During his children’s younger years, he took extreme pride in being involved in the Boy Scouts. We often heard the special stories of trips to Philmont with Doug. In later years, Steve was an EMT and volunteer fireman for Holstein. The service of helping others was always alive in Steve. After 21 years, he retired from service, but his love for his service was never far from his heart.

To know Steve was to love Steve. He never met a human he didn’t love or want to talk with. He loved talking to people, telling all of his stories and learning about others. Many days, dad would go through his phone talking to anyone who would answer. His talks would always leave you with a smile, a laugh and probably a silent headshake thinking, “Oh Steve.”

Of all things in Steve’s life, love is always what was most important. Sharing close to 48 years with the love of his life was his truest accomplishment. Together, they have shown the world what true, unconditional love is and always will be.

Online condolences can be made at nicklasdjensenfh.com.

Services: May 29, United Methodist Church, Holstein

Burial: Holstein Cemetery, Holstein

Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home • Holstein • 712-368-4332