Thomas Stepp

Thomas M. Stepp, Sr., age 74, of Wolbach, passed away Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island.

Visitation was held on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, from 2-5 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolbach.

Funeral services were held on Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Luther Church in Wolbach with Vicar Marcia Dorn officiating. Music was provided by Mike Goodrich and Mike O'Neel. Pallbearers were Tom's grandchildren: Christopher Stepp, Michael Stepp, Levi Stepp, Keith Stepp, Colton Stepp, Katie Stepp, Logan Stepp and Clay Stepp.

Burial was in the Hillside Cemetery in Wolbach.

Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Wolbach was in charge of arrangements.

Tom was born on May 25, 1938, at Wolbach to Max and Jessie (Bryer) Stepp. He grew up and received his education in Greeley, graduating from Sacred Heart Catholic School in 1957.

He entered the United States Air Force on Oct. 7, 1958. Tom was united in marriage to Rita Campbell in July of 1959 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force on Oct. 5, 1962.

Following his discharge from the Air Force they made their home in Grand Island. In 1964 they moved to Greeley and operated the family grocery store, Stepp's Grocery, which they owned until 1986. 

Tom and Rita moved back to Grand Island where he worked various jobs. He would often spend the summers at Fort Randall Dam in South Dakota and for two years managed the marina. In 2005 he returned to Wolbach where he managed  the Iron Dr. Welding Shop.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wolbach, the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 30 years.

Tom was an avid outdoors man who loved to hunt, fish and camp. He always looked forward to spending time at Fort Randall, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include: a daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Fred Tustin of Grand Island; son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Kay Stepp of O'Neill;  son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Julie Stepp of Wolbach and son, Mark Stepp of Hadar; grandchildren: Christopher Stepp, Michael Stepp and wife, Melanie, Keith Stepp and wife Kylee, Katie Stepp, Logan Stepp, Clay Stepp, Colton Stepp and Levi Stepp; and great-grandson, Brigham Stepp. He is also survived by his former wife, Rita Stepp of Grand Island; four sisters and two brothers-in-law: Nancy Zahm, Ardis and Gene Sullivan, Pauline and Tom Harrahill, all of Grand Island and Kathleen Andersen of Greeley; many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers-in-law, Gary Andersen and Don Zahm.

Online condolences may be directed through www.livson,.com.