Steven Leo Whitley

Steven Leo Whitley was born in Hastings, NE on January 16, 1953 to Howard and Mary (Conroy) Whitley. A couple of years after his birth, his family moved to Omaha, NE and that is where he grew up. His siblings remember the great imagination he had as a child, which made him an excellent storyteller. Steve attended Central High School, and shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 11 years. During his time in the Army, Steve was a phlebotomist and after his honorable discharge he continued this work at Bergan and Lakeside hospitals. Steve spent over 40 years as a phlebotomist and received the Shining Star Employee of the Year award in 2007. He loved his work and was a devoted employee. He would often pick up extra shifts, volunteer to work Holidays so others could be at home with family, and if bad weather was in the forecast he would sleep in a spare room at the hospital so he wouldn’t miss work. Everyone thought he was the best coworker because of his positive attitude and willingness to help. Steve was married to Louise on February 14, 1994 after he fell in love with both her and her children. They were together for over 20 years and remained friends after their divorce. The kids remember that Steve was their best secret keeper and would help them hide things from their mom that might get them in trouble. He loved his family and was excited to become a grandpa. The grandkids enjoyed weekends with their grandparents, and Steve attended all of their sporting events. He even watched Jonah play football even though he worried terribly that he would get hurt. In his free time, Steve liked to sit at his spot at the river and relax while listening to the airboats and fishing. He loved his Camero and spent many hours cleaning it to make sure it was spotless. Steve went to many car shows, sometimes entering his own, and always impressed others with his knowledge of cars. War movies and the history channel were his favorite, and he was quite a history buff. He also liked Star Wars and Guardian of the Galaxy. Steve enjoyed listening to classic rock and watching the Huskers play. However, his favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals, and if he couldn’t get the game on his TV, he would go sit in his car to listen. Go Cardinals! Steven was preceded in death by parents, Howard & Mary Whitley; grandma, Nellie Tuttle; and grandparents, Leo & Viola Conroy. He is survived by children: Renee (Chris) Bonacci; Rachael (Jason) Biesterfeld; Marina (Seth) Higby; Tawny Nemechek; and Jeffrey (Jodi) Armstrong; grandchildren: Cora & Lily Higby, Ava Buck, Collin, Brody & Jonah Biesterfeld, Cecilia, Gianna & Zelie Armstrong, and Zoe Bonacci; siblings: Joyce Whitley, Marie (Mark) Kenney, James (Mardi) Whitley, Mary McWilliams, and Chuck (Lynn) Whitley; ex-wife, Louise Whitley; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. VISITATION: Monday, August 19 from 10-11 AM at St. John Catholic Church in Valley, 307 E. Meigs St. with MEMORIAL MASS to follow at 11 AM. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation.

Steven Leo Whitley

January 16, 1953 - August 11, 2024