Steven Holtzen of Stromsburg passed from this life on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at CHI Health in Lincoln after a brief stay.

Steven Harold Holtzen was born September 3, 1952, in Deshler, Neb., to Harold H. and Lenora (Loontjer) Holtzen. He was baptized September 21, 1952 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at Kiowa, Neb., and was confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler on March 19, 1967. He attended school at Kiowa until fourth grade and then attended St. Peter Lutheran School in Deshler. He attended high school at Deshler Public Schools where he graduated in 1971.

He married Theresa Culp on September 18, 1971, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler, and began a life together that would last 54 years. They had three boys, Kevin, Jay and Timothy.

He attended Southeast Community College-Milford and received a degree in auto mechanics. After a long career in auto mechanics, he drove trucks locally and over the road.

Steven retired in 2020 and enjoyed his retirement building a new house in Stromsburg, traveling, spending time with his family, especially his boys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As a young man, he loved building and driving a demolition derby car, and passed that love to his sons and grandsons. Talking about cars was something he always enjoyed.

Steven is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Nancy Trexler and Bonny Shroetlin. He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Kevin and his wife Angela Holtzen, Jay and his wife Erin Holtzen, all of Stromsburg, and Timothy of Bradshaw, grandchildren Nathan (Erin) Holtzen, Zachary Holtzen, Ashton Holtzen, Christian (Camryn) Holtzen, Kenna (Ben) Tidyman, Dane Holtzen , Justin Holtzen, and Riley Hammons, and four great-grandchildren, Barrett and Warren Holtzen, Kaden Holtzen and Quincy Tidyman, numerous nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, and many friends.

Funeral services will be held at Salem Lutheran Church in Stromsburg with Pastor Mary Scott officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, October 8, and services at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 9, 2025. Pianist will be Sue Lehn. Musical selections will be “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, “Borning Cry”, “Be Not Afraid” and “How Great Thou Art.” Pallbearers will be Nathan Holtzen, Zach Holtzen, Ashton Holtzen, Justin Holtzen, Christian Holtzen and Dane Holtzen. Burial will be at the Stromsburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Salem Lutheran Church in Stromsburg or Annie Jeffrey Memorial County Health Center in Osceola, Neb.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome.com