Stephen Scott Lauer, age 70, of Brule, NE passed away on August 25, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family and friends.
Steve was born on March 15, 1953, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, to Robert William and Jeanette Griffith Lauer. He grew up on a farm northeast of Cozad, where he graduated from Cozad High School in 1971. He joined the rodeo team at UNL, where he graduated with a degree in Animal Science.
After college, Steve moved to the Brule area, where he first worked at the McGinley-Shultz feedlot. Then, he went to work for Wayne Frates until 1985, when the family sold the farm. During this time, Steve acquired his own herd of cattle and started his own custom haying business, Twin Valley Commodities, along with his pilot's license, with the help of Darrel Munson.
Steve married Donna (Reichenberg) Henson in October 1986; they were blessed with two children: Scott Wesley and Jessica Lynn Lauer.
In the Fall of 2017, Steve married Karen Mostrom, and they made their home east of Brule.
Steve, being a true cowboy at heart, much preferred horses over wheels. He loved his family and his work. He was overjoyed when he got to share his passion for cowboying with his kids. From teaching them to rope or helping them with 4-H, Steve's face shined with pride when he got to pass along his love and knowledge to young ones. And if there was a dance within a 100-mile radius, Steve was there with his daughter Jess, and if she wasn't there, the ladies would line up to catch a dance with him!
Somebody once said that a cowboy's journey isn't marked by the dust he left behind but rather the trials he blazed and the tales he left in the hearts of those who rode alongside him. May he forever ride the trails of Heaven with the wind at his back and God's light shining upon his face.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Scott.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Lauer of Brule; daughter, Jessie Lauer of Brule; grandson, Jaxson Scott Lauer; siblings, Dan (Teresa) Lauer of Norton, KS, Sherri (Garon) Stewart of Ogallala, NE, Terri (Brian) Commins of Ogallala, NE, Angie (Steve) Mueting of Aurora, CO; along with many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Steve's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 10 a.m. MST at the Keith County Fairgrounds Arena with Pastor Albert Bader officiating. In honor of Steve, riders are invited to bring a horse to the arena. Inurnment will be in the Brule Cemetery.
Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.