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BORN
1957
DIED
2025
Steven Kohler Obituary
December 6, 1957 - May 28, 2025
Steven D. Kohler of Omaha passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, after a long illness. He was 67.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane, and his sister, Patricia Kobus. He is survived by his brothers: Richard (Rose) Kohler of Omaha; Mike (Deborah) Kohler of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Don (Alyssa) Kohler of Council Bluffs, Iowa. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Steve found joy in collecting model cars and traveling to car shows across the country. His passion for automobiles was matched only by the love he had for his loyal canine companions, Blue and Gracie, who were always by his side.
A private ceremony will be held at a later date to honor Steve's life and legacy.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Kohler
Rick Limpach
June 30, 2025
Steve was a great friend. I met him at a car show and we talked about our cars. I then met him at a model car show and we talked about our model cars. As the years went by we attended the same shows in Omaha. He was a special person and would go out of his way to help anybody. It's been a privilege knowing and laughing with him. Steve, I will miss you.
JERRY SCHUETTE
June 13, 2025
Been friends with Steve since jr high have many memories of partying,poker games,fishing, and. our recent pool games.Love ya buddy,TILL WE MEET AGAIN
Jim Stuempfle
June 13, 2025
I knew Steve through the model car hobby. I bought many models from him over years. I was very sad to hear that he has passed away. He was always a gentleman, totally professional and though I never met him personally, we enjoyed many model stories. We have lost a good friend.
Eddie Fickel
June 7, 2025
It's hard to say how much Steve mint to me and my family. We send many of years on the road going to model shows all over mid west and car races and drag races. It's not going to be the same going to some of the stuff we did together . You are going to be in your hearts love you man. The Fickel Family.
Mike Wierzbicki
June 6, 2025
Steve and I became acquainted way back in 1977 when he worked at the Surfco gas station on 127th &Q. I filled the vending machines there twice a week and would always hang around for a while to talk cars with him. Occasionally we would run into each other on the weekends at National Auto while cruising Dodge Street. Always liked his souped up yellow VW. As we grew older our lives took us in different directions and lost contact with each other. I didn't see him again until the early 90s when we met up at a model car contest. Instantly our friendship was reunited. In 1998 my mother passed away and shortly thereafter my father was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. I spent the next 16 years working and taking care of my Dad giving me no time for my hobby and friends. In 2016 my Dad passed away and I vowed to myself to reunite with all my long lost friends. I never got around to once again getting together with my dear friend Steve and am now absolutely heartbroken that I will never have the chance. Rest in peace my dear friend and someday we will be building models together again.
michael cook
June 4, 2025
steve was a very good friend. spent many nights talking about cars and his favorite pass time of collecting and building model cars. he will be greatly missed.
John Livingston Sr.
June 4, 2025
Steve was always a good friend and a Charter member of Nebraska Autos in Miniature, his passion for the hobby helped mold the club and he always was first inline to volunteer to do whatever needed done to put swap meets and contests together. The Hobby has suffered a great loss.
My condolences to his family and many friends.
R.I.P Steve
Charlie carle
June 4, 2025
Always looked forward to seeing Steve at the KAMS shows. Miss the way he teased me about the way I ran the raffle.
Trevor H
June 3, 2025
What a character. Reading these comments brings me joy to know he was so loved. I met Steve just about 5 years ago, and what had been a business relationship through plastic modeling, grew into a friendship. He was a genuine, one of a kind person, and it's sad to see him go because this world needs more people like him. My sincere condolences, and may his family and friends find comfort in their memories during this time.
Bill Hartwig
June 3, 2025
I met Steve in the mid 90's when he came to a model show in Onawa IA. He introduced me to Nebraska Autos In Miniature, where I made friends with him and many others. I regret not taking the time out of regular busy life stuff and staying in touch with Steve. I can't undo that. I'm glad to read the tributes, and have in common with you all, the model shows, the Goodguys Des Moines, KKOA in Salina. The world needs more people like Steve. His passing leaves a big hole in lots of hearts!
Dawn
June 2, 2025
"Hot Rod Steve" is missed daily
Ron Koziel
June 2, 2025
You will be missed Steve. I always enjoyed visiting with you at the local shows.
Mike Smith
June 2, 2025
Steve and I met because I needed a place to stay and I had a Siberian Husky, Domino. A mutual friend mentioned Steve and he also had a Siberian Husky, Jessie. We met and I ended up living with him for 5 years. I met many of Steve's friends at the time and became friends with some. Had many gatherings playing poker with them. I wasn't into models as many of his friends were, our bond was the dogs and other interests like racing. I guess you really learn about someone living with them. There were good and bad times but there was always just another day. I went to many shows with Steve but as time went on and physical health problems, I could not anymore. He ended up asking me to maintain his Star Models website which was interesting because the previous person passed and I had to just figure it out. I know Steve had many friends and acquaintances and each unique and interesting experiences. He always called on birthdays (and say, it's just another day) not just mine but even our dogs birthdays and the dogs that came later. I would call on his and sing happy birthday as Marilyn Monroe. Not sure if anyone ever experienced Steve's singing but when we were on the road he would sing me love songs. It was hilarious. He was loved by many in our own special way will be missed by all. I am saddened.
David Johnson
June 2, 2025
Steve has been a friend for many years. Sort of a brother from another mother. Also enjoyed being included in the video chats with Rick, Kevin and Chris.
Over the last few months of Steve's treatment, we would call each other and talk about just about anything. I also had the pleasure of knowing Jane. They were made for each other. During his last trip to the hospital and before the tube were inserted I was able to say my goodbye. He knew he wasn't leaving this time. His big concern he shared was his dogs and wanted to know if Margo and I still wanted them. We both wanted to keep them together. I also told him I loved him my friend, not knowing it was the last good bye.
Don Hollesen
June 1, 2025
A dear friend. I will miss all our road trips to Minnesota every year.
Rick Miller
June 1, 2025
Going to be a hard one to get over. Will miss the video chats, seeing him at the shows and our meetings. Prayers to his family and friends.
Mark S Reichel
June 1, 2025
Will miss seeing him at all the model shows!
Tim Friederich
June 1, 2025
Steve will surely be miss. He was a great friend,modeler,and model car enthusiast
He would always stop or stop you to say something or joke with you
Rest is peace
Kevin Beckmann
June 1, 2025
It is going to be hard to get over this. He was always fun to talk to & hang around with. Miss the video calls every day. Just everything isn't going to be the same without him around. It is really hard to believe it has happened & I will miss him.
Deanna Beckmann
June 1, 2025
I have so many good memories about Steve. My husband and I met Steve in the modeling.world. When I would see Steve he always had a smile and a hug. Steve will be missed greatly. Rest in peace, my dear friend. I don´t have a single picture of Steve but for the people don´t know he is in the red.
Chris Kresyman
June 1, 2025
Steve was a good guy and good friend, there was times we would video chat for hours an build model cars together, visited him a couple times an even got to ride in his Malibu he loved so much. He will be deeply missed by so many people that knew him.
Larry Shelbourn
May 31, 2025
Steve was a good friend to many! He introduced me and my son Eric to the car club in Bellevue! He will be missed!! Condolences to him family and friend RIB Steve!!!
Mike Smith
May 31, 2025
I give my condolences to Steve's family. Steve had many friends and acquaintances over the years and I will miss him as they will. He had many chapters in his book each one unique with not many having read it beginning to end but, at least we got to read a few chapters, sone more than others. Love ya Steve. Mike
Ron Butterfield
May 31, 2025
I knew Steve from Star Models. He will be missed by many in the model car world.
Richard Domenge
May 31, 2025
Deepest condolences. Steve will be missed
Dwayne Bressem
May 31, 2025
Steve was a good person. will Miss seeing him at Car Model shows and Model Meetings..
Gary Walker
May 31, 2025
Many good memories together. He is missed.
Gary Walker
May 31, 2025
We had many good times growing up. He is missed.
Robert KC Slammers Model Car Club
May 31, 2025
Steve was a good friend He was also one of our main vendors at the Heartland Model Car Nationals for over 30 years He will be missed.
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