Stephen “Steve” Grange Holben, 74, of Lincoln passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Ambassador Nursing & Rehab in Lincoln, surrounded by family and the love that defined his life.
Steve was born December 28, 1950, in Pisgah, Iowa, to Charles “Bud” and Velma (Harmon) Holben. A proud graduate of West Harrison High School in Mondamin, Iowa, Class of 1969. Steve married Barb Keith in February of 1970, and together they welcomed two wonderful children, Amy and Kevin.
While working as a custodian and bus driver for Pisgah schools, Steve met Laurie Barber — the woman who would become the love of his life, his partner in all things, and his steady companion through decades of marriage. Steve and Laurie were married on June 28, 1980, in Scribner and together raised two daughters, Elizabeth and Emily. Their love story was one of deep friendship, unwavering loyalty, and quiet strength through life’s greatest joys and deepest heartaches. They shared a bond that weathered grief, moves, illnesses, and the devastating loss of their daughter Elizabeth. Through it all, they remained each other’s best friend, safe place, and greatest adventure.
Steve’s professional life reflected his integrity, humor, and heart for service. He worked for Western Electric and later in sales for Hillyard and Rochester Midland, offering sanitation maintenance solutions. In later years, he served families with compassion and dignity through his work with Dugan Funeral Home in Fremont and Penwell-Gable Funeral Home in Gardner, Kansas
Together, Steve and Laurie lived in Pisgah Iowa, Treynor Iowa, Fremont, Gardner, Kansas, and Lincoln — and in each place, they built community. Whether in church pews, dinner with friends or at a car show downtown, Steve was quick with a smile, a story, and a willingness to help.
A man of faith and service, Steve was an ordained High Priest in the Community of Christ Church and spent his life committed to ministry and fellowship. He had a passion for classic cars, especially the beloved hot pink VW Bug which he lovingly restored with daughter Emily. A lifelong Royals baseball fan, a 60s and 70s music aficionado (with The Beatles forever at the top), a barbershop performer with the Fremont Pathfinders, and a theater lover, Steve had a big personality wrapped in gentle and steady presence. He loved to make people laugh and had a warmth that drew others in.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Stewart, his daughter Elizabeth, and his son-in-law James Tijerina.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 45 years, Laurie Holben; his children Emily Hardy, Amy (James†) Tijerina, and Kevin (Andrea) Holben; his grandchildren Collin, Conner, Cameron, and Kiersten Holben, Jackson and Jade Tijerina, and Grace Hardy; his sister Kristine (Tim†) Gregory; and his brothers Rod (Linda) Holben and John Holben.
He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont. His brother, Elder John Holben, will officiate. Burial will follow at a later date at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: www.michaeljfox.org
