Steven S Fintel

Steven Stuart Fintel was born July 3, 1949, in Hebron, Nebraska, to Ervin and Bernice (Hofts) Fintel. He passed away on January 2, 2026, at Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus, Nebraska, at the age of 76.

Steve was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in rural Deshler on July 31, 1949, and confirmed on April 7, 1963, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Byron. He attended country school in rural Ruskin and rural Byron, and then Byron High School, graduating as co-salutatorian with the Class of 1967. He later attended Fairbury Junior College and Milford Trade School. Although he was unable to complete his college education due to family and work responsibilities, he strongly believed in the value of education and consistently encouraged his children to work hard, do well in school, and attend college.

On December 21, 1967, Steve married Cheryl Russell. They were married for 43 years and raised three children: Tonya, Sean, and Stephanie.

Steve spent much of his life farming and working in the agriculture industry. He farmed with his father-in-law near Hubbell in the late 1960s and early 1970s, worked for the State of Nebraska and Hastings Honda in the early 1970s, and returned to the family farm near Byron in 1974 following his father's death. He farmed with his mother until 1985, raising corn, wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle, and hogs.

Steve went to great lengths to care for his animals, and he would do anything to save a newborn calf. His children recall many occasions when baby pigs or calves were brought into the house if that was what it took to save them. In 1983, he became one of the first dealers for Garst Seed Company. Later, he worked as a sales manager for several seed companies until a farming accident in 1998 ended that chapter of his career. Steve moved to Deshler in 2004 after the family farm was destroyed by a tornado. He entered Heritage Crossings Nursing Home in Geneva in July 2023.

Steve was a former member of the Byron Volunteer Fire Department, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was also active in the Browning Collectors Association, where he was deeply knowledgeable, particularly regarding firearms made in Belgium. He enjoyed hunting, especially in the Nebraska Sandhills with close friends, and later with his son and son-in-law. He also enjoyed traveling to gun and buckle shows, though he was always happiest returning home. His favorite companion was his dog, Chalupa.

Above all, Steve loved being a grandfather and was proud of each of his grandchildren, even when dementia made remembering names difficult. Through it all, he also kept his strong faith in God.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Bernice Fintel, and his brother, Brian Fintel.

He is survived by his son, Sean (Lexie) Fintel of Firth, Nebraska; daughters Tonya (David) Freeman of Spring Hill, Kansas, and Stephanie (Jeff) Beckwith of Albion, Nebraska; and five grandchildren: Emily Freeman of Albion, Nebraska; Micayla (Spencer) Rohrich of Wood River, Nebraska; and Carley, Ross, and Anna Beckwith of Albion, Nebraska.

Services will be held Monday, January 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Byron, Nebraska, with Pastor Roger Lenander officiating.

Visitation will be held Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with the family greeting friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Private family inurnment will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, rural Deshler.

Memorials are suggested in care of the family and will be designated at a later time.

Online condolences may be left at www.bachelor-surber.com.

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home of Belleville, Kansas, and Chester, Nebraska, is assisting the family with arrangements.