Steve Batter

1958 - 2025

Steve Batter, of Omaha, died on October 15, 2025, following a short battle with cancer.

The eldest of six siblings, Steve grew up the leader of a motley band of neighborhood kids near the Aksarben racetracks. Although he was a sharp student, excelling especially in math, a taste for adventure often interfered with his studies. As a child, he never shied away from a new opportunity, whether that be riding a wild pony known for menacing other children or performing boating tricks at an uncle's cabin.

As he entered his teenage years, it was clear that Steve was destined to live a wild and free life. He rebuilt a Chevy Monte Carlo, and enjoyed the speed of the open road. Warm summer nights would see him hopping the fence into Peony Park to enjoy the pool to himself. These years culminated in him breaking into a KFC after hours, cooking all of the food, and opening the doors for an impromptu midnight party. His stunts led to a short criminal record and long list of enduring friendships.

It was fatherhood, as a teenager, that finally settled Steve down. He took a job as a mechanic and odd jobs in construction to support his young family. He would go on to found a number of business ventures over the years, mentoring and supporting many along the way.

But his love of adventure never went away. He enjoyed travel, often arriving at family Christmas, sunburnt from some tropical coast, with beads in his beard. Many people's first experience on water skis consisted of Steve instructing them to "just hold on tight" before he quickly throttled his boat to full speed. He built and competed in outlaw go-kart racing, returning from the track with plenty of dirt and an occasional trophy.

Though he lived loudly, Steve gave quietly.

Steve spent his free time and wealth helping others. Weekends would frequently see him prepare dozens of sack lunches, loading them into his truck and distributing them in Omaha's homeless encampments. When Afghan refugees arrived in Nebraska, Steve provided housing for a family of twelve, taking special joy in teaching them how to use all the modern appliances he had bought them. For several years, he paid his own airfare to volunteer for a humanitarian organization, leading construction of schools for refugee children in a warzone. Much of Steve's charity has only been realized in the days following his death. The full extent will only ever be known by those he privately helped and supported.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Stan, younger brother Joe, labrador mutts Ebby and Max, and a finger lost in a 1970s motorcycle accident. He is survived by his son Chris, stepdaughter Jackie (Mike), mother MaryAnn (Roy), partner Mona, and a large swath of family and adopted family.

A celebration of life will take place on November 18, with a gathering at 5:30 followed by a service at 7, at Heafey Mortuary, 7805 W Center Road. Formalwear is discouraged. Ad hoc memorials are already underway at neighborhood bars and backyard patios across Nebraska and Western Iowa. In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are directed to honor Steve with a favorite drink shared with someone that they love, and through small private acts of kindness.