February 2, 1950 - August 20, 2026

Stephen Thomas Kline, 76, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, in Elkhorn, Nebraska, surrounded by Jeanne and daughters at Country House Residence. Diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma May 1st, he met his final months with the same grace and good humor that defined his life.

Steve was born February 2, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa, the second of three children born to Richard and Betty Kline. He grew up on the eastern edge of Beaverdale, graduated from North High School in 1968 where he'd been a standout offensive lineman and All-City honorable mention, and headed to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa on an invitation to play tackle for the Norse. Football remained a lifelong passion whether he was watching the Hawkeyes at Kinnick or the Huskers at Memorial Stadium. He completed his BA at Luther in 1986 while working at Creighton University.

At Luther, Steve met Susan Lee of Cashton, Wisconsin; they married in August 1972 and moved to Omaha the next year for his job at the World-Herald where he became a news and sports editor. Sue died suddenly of kidney failure in July 1982 after nine happy years together, and Steve poured his grief into some of the finest poetry he ever wrote.

In 1984 he met Jeanne Veenis of Canton, South Dakota, and they married on September 1, 1985, at Saint John's Church at Creighton University. Together they raised three daughters, Kaci, Karyn, and Sasha and delighted in three grandchildren, Xander, Lillian, and Norah. Steve loved being dad and grandpa. He enjoyed watching movies together, holidays, family celebrations and family vacations. He rarely missed a chance to lead his grandkids on another trip to the zoo, museum or any of Omaha's many attractions.

Steve's four-decade career in journalism, public relations, fundraising, and media production was marked by distinction at every turn. He was named Nebraska Journalist of the Year by Sigma Delta Chi in 1995 during his years with the Associated Press. At Creighton University where he worked as Media Director then becoming the Public Relations Director across two long stretches between 1984 and 2011, he produced the nationally distributed documentary "A More Perfect Union," became executive editor of Creighton University Magazine, and earned a PRSA National Bronze Anvil Award along with two PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvils.

In 2011 Steve struck out on his own, and helped build what may be his most lasting legacy. Starting in 2012 with colleague and friend, Dr. Drew C. Olson, he took on projects that grew from blogs and websites into managing membership for the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association and supporting the four hospitals of Flatwater Veterinary Group. Steve helped launch and evolve drip.vet into a leading online platform for veterinary continuing education in opioid abuse prevention, which joined the Veterinary Information Network in 2021 and became a major influence on veterinary students and the profession across the country and around the world. Steve was working there full time when his illness was discovered.

Steve loved all types of music, especially as a devoted fan of Bob Dylan. He always did a great job impersonating famous people. Ronald Reagan was one of the most popular. In July Steve celebrated 50 years of friendship with Bill W.

Steve Kline lived exactly as he wanted to: devoted to his family, faithful to his craft, and generous with everyone lucky enough to know him. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a proud grandfather, and a newsman who spent his life helping other people tell their stories well.

Steve was preceded in death by parents Richard C. and Betty M. Kline of Des Moines. He is survived by Jeanne and daughters Kaci, Karyn and Sasha, grandchildren Xander, Lillian and Norah, adopted grandchild Austin, son-in-law Nick Malesa and Nick's brother Mike, sister Mary Kline-Misol of Clive, Iowa, brother Greg and his wife Terri of Urbandale, Iowa, nephew Brendan Kline of Austin, Texas, lifelong friends Paul Havnen of Des Moines, Bill W., and Marc L. and beloved family dog Jaxxon.

A memorial service at Good Shepherd Funeral Services, 4712 S 82nd, Omaha is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th. Visitation will start at 1 PM followed by the service at 1:30 PM.

Memorial donations may be made to Steve's family or Des Moines North High Alumni Foundation.