Steven D. Schwartzkopf, 59, of Ogallala, passed away at home on September 30, 2023.
Steve was born on March 14, 1964, in Torrington, WY, to Daniel & Jeanne Schwartzkopf. Steve was the youngest of 3 children. In 1966, the family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska. Steve attended school in Ogallala and graduated with the Class of 1982.
For many years, Steve helped his father out at the local carpet store, Schwartzkopf's Carpets. He participated in a square dancing club with the rest of the family and some friends. Everyone wanted to dance with "little Steve."
In December of 1986, Steve married Leanne VanCura. They welcomed a daughter, Ashly Marie, on April 7, 1987.
Steve worked different jobs over his lifetime. Pizza Hut was the one he kept going back to. Others included ASC, The Fence Post, Sapp Brothers, Runza, and even Walmart for a short time. He wore many "hats"... but "DAD" was probably his favorite.
On September 9, 1999, Steve purchased a local business, Video Depot. He enjoyed visiting with the community whenever they would come in to rent movies. For 17 years, he was a member of the local Barbershop Chorus. He sang with a few different quartets, singing both tenor and baritone. Steve was a member of many bowling leagues from 1982 until 2013. He also coached High School Bowling and helped the athletes bring a few trophies and awards back to Ogallala.
Throughout Steve's Life, many memories were made. He enjoyed playing the guitar, fishing, playing catch, camping, skateboarding, bowling, singing, card playing, and more with his family. Steve often would have fun playing fetch with his grand-pups and made sure anyone who rode with him knew what the "windmill" game was, not to mention your duty as a co-pilot if there were any cows nearby. The phrase "I see the tanks" was also a special memory for him and his extended family.
Steve was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William & Emma Schwartzkopf, and his maternal grandparents, Max & Grace Senteney.
Steve is survived by his daughter, Ashly (Nori) Kinoshita, of Sedgwick, CO; Sisters, Sherri Schwartzkopf and Sue Schwartzkopf, of Julesburg, CO; Mother, Jeanne Schwartzkopf, of Torrington, WY; Father, Daniel Schwartzkopf, of Mitchell, NE; "Adopted" Brother, Neil (Marty) Hennek, of Douglas, WY; many aunts, uncles, cousins, along with several other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Steve's memory for later designation. Cards may be sent to: Ashly Kinoshita 310 Main Ave. Sedgwick, CO 80749. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at New Hope Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating. No interment of cremains is planned.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.