Steven Ray Lute

Steven Ray Lute, 60, of Fremont, NE entered the gates of Heaven peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 1, 2024.

Steven was born in Grand Island, NE on November 26, 1963 to Cleo Esther (Nielsen) and David Ray Lute.
In his childhood, Steven's parents moved the family frequently throughout Nebraska and across country. Steven was the eldest of his siblings, and while he was looked up to and thought of as the protective, older brother, there was also never a dull moment as Steven caused memorable mischief. These moments created outlandish stories that Steven and his siblings enjoyed reminiscing. Steven attended high school in Fremont, NE. After high school, he briefly joined the United States Army, however saddened by the inability to serve his country due to a medical condition.

In 1984, Steven married his first wife, Dora Louise. This union blessed Steve with his two children, SandraLee and Andrew. In 1990, Steven married his second wife, Ronna Lea. This union blessed Steven with his adopted daughter, Breanna.

In Steven's early adulthood, he was employed with BonnaVilla Homes in Aurora, NE where he became fascinated with carpentry. Afterwards, Steven was self-employed for the remainder of his life as an independent contractor, mechanic, and welder. Steven created many meaningful friendships while subcontracting and partnering with others on job sites. Steven thoroughly enjoyed working alongside his siblings and bonus sons. Steven enjoyed his recurring customers where he'd become known as their trusted ''handyman''. Steven also briefly attended Central Community College to hone automotive technician skills.

It was important to Steven to teach his children self-sufficiency, independence, and a strong work ethic. Steven sincerely believed in teaching his eldest daughter, Sandra to never need to rely on a man when she could learn to complete the tasks herself. Steven had her tag-along on job sites throughout her teenage years always reminding her of this vision. Although strict, Steven was also known as being a convivial parent. Steven loved to take his family on camping vacations, to monster truck shows, and rodeos. Steven also enjoyed building snow forts and snowmen, playing war with Andrew during the first week in July with firecrackers and plastic army men. Steven also enjoyed playing card and board games alongside his family. After Sandy joined Girl Scouts, he looked forward to attending father-daughter dances and square dancing. At home on Saturday afternoons it was not uncommon to find Steven dancing in the living room with his daughters and then-wife, Ronna. Steven enjoyed rock, country, and the oldies. He referred to Breanna as his ''sweet pea'', and Sandra as his ''brown-eyed girl''. Steven and Ronna also created a yearly tradition of taking the children out of school on the first day of spring to go on nature walks and picnics. An important tradition that Steven continued throughout Sandra's teen years.

When Steven's children became older, he loved to take them fishing and teach how to clean fish, as well as attend auctions, tractor pulls, and demolition derbies, also alongside his long-term, domestic partner, Karolyn Galindo. Steven and Sandra shared a great interest in demo derbies that her first ''car'' he bought and surprised her with was with intentions for them to rebuild together so that she may begin competing in demo derbies.

Steven also enjoyed spending holidays and weekends with his extended family; parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews.

Later in life, Karolyn began teaching Steven how to garden, can, and bake. He enjoyed these activities and became creative in the kitchen, sharing the bounties with friends and family.

In 2001, Steven was blessed with his first grandchild, Gage, from Karolyn's second oldest son. Steven and Gage created a bond and an abundance of memories that will be cherished by Gage.

Steven is survived by his three children, SandraLee Yager of Grand Island, NE, Andrew Lute of Fremont, NE, and Breanna Lute of Arkansas; two bonus children Richard Anderson and Joshua Syrovatka, siblings Gary (Julie) Lute of Grand Island, NE, Suzanne Sanchez of Fremont, NE, Michael (Jeana) Lute of Harlingen, TX, and Barbara Fitzpatrick of Fremont, NE, stepbrother, Robert (Shirley) Lute of Huston, TX. Grandchildren Gage Anderson, Brian Yager, Jr., Lila Yager, Alexa Lute, Hunter Krebs, Makenzie Lute, Naevia Krebs, Aralyn Scheele, and Ella Yager. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, and bonus grandchildren.

Steven was preceded in death by his parents, David Lute and Cleo Lute, half-sister Vidda Lute, infant sister, Cindy, and grandparents.

It was Steven's wishes to be cremated with services provided by Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont, NE.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends, in conjunction with Steven's mother's memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Steven Ray Lute to your local animal rescue or nonprofit community garden.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

Obituary Provided By:

1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com