Steven D. Johnson

Steven D. Johnson, 68, of Genoa, NE, lost his fight against colon cancer on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Genoa Long-Term Living facility.

A memorial party will be held this summer in honor of his 69th birthday. If you know, you know.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, NE is in charge of arrangements.

What would Steve want me to tell you about his life? Probably something sarcastic and wildly inappropriate. As his daughter, I would tell you he had a dark sense of humor, a vast knowledge base that came in handy when watching Jeopardy and undiagnosed (but very likely) ADHD. Conversations with him required relinquishing any expectations of linear discussion and instead leaping with reckless abandon onto his runaway train of thought.

Wherever he went, Dad could, and often would, have conversations with complete strangers. It could be incredibly annoying, but it showed that we have much more in common with others than we think. He treated everyone with his own brand of kindness complete with good-natured teasing and a quick wit that was passed down to me and my two younger brothers. He taught us to respect those who deserve it.

He was ever present on the sidelines coaching football for St. Edward and Columbus High or in the bleachers supporting his children, grandchildren and anyone else who asked him to come watch them play or compete. He was always ready to offer his advice, whether requested or not. The impact his support left to those on and off the field or court will be felt for years.

Now for the technical details. Steven Douglas Johnson was born on June 27, 1957 to Bob and Hilda Johnson. Although he was the 3rd of eight children, his name was often the first shouted when trouble was brewing, which happened often with 6 boys. He was married to Missy (Westring) Johnson for 36 years and welcomed three children.

He leaves behind his daughter: Meryl (Stephen) Lockling of Topeka, KS; two sons: Ethan (Nikki) Johnson of Columbus, NE and Sean Johnson (Sam Tulp) of Omaha, NE; ex-wife: Missy Johnson (Steve Niles) of Lincoln, NE; four incredible granddaughters: Olivia and Norah Lockling of Topeka, KS; and Milo and Nelly Johnson of Columbus, NE; his siblings: Jerry (Cindy) Johnson of Lincoln, NE; Jackie (Terry) Hinds of Columbus, NE; Dave (Beth) Johnson of Hastings, NE; Don (Alice) Johnson of Fort Calhoun, NE; and Jeff (Gaylene) Johnson of Columbus, NE; numerous other family members and countless friends.

He was proceeded in death by all those who passed before him, most notably his beloved dog, Zoey, his parents: Bob and Hilda Johnson and two brothers: Robbie and Mike.