Stella Stang Education Fund
Steve was born in 1981 in Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in the close-knit Stony Brook neighborhood in Millard. His childhood days were filled with cruising the streets on bikes and motor scooters with his buddies, maintaining a demanding paper route, swimming in the backyard pool, and, Steve’s favorite, riding dirt bikes. He thoroughly enjoyed racing his blue Yamaha or green Kawasaki in the local motocross circuit, and he accumulated a number of trophies as a result this passion. Intermingled in this Midwestern childhood paradise were numerous family vacations to Estes Park. These visits helped sculpt Steve’s love of the beautiful Colorado mountains, as well as his next lifelong passion: snowboarding.
After graduating from Millard South High School, he packed up his belongings and convinced his best friend, Brian Bayle, to move with him to Denver. While it was a fun adventure, the challenges of a new town and life far away from home ultimately led Steve back to Omaha. Upon returning, Steve decided to pursue another passion: cooking, and enrolled at MCC in the Culinary Arts program. While earning his degree, Steve worked as a server at Charleston’s restaurant where he met his future wife, Stacey. Again the draw of the mountains was strong, and this led the young couple to pick up and settle in Fairplay, CO. It was in this little mountain town where the light of his life, his daughter Stella, was welcomed into the world. Steve, Stacey, and Stella remained in Fairplay for a short time, before Steve and Stacey decided to separate and return to Omaha. Steve’s time back home would be the final chapter of his life, dotted with many personal challenges as well as some truly joyous times watching his young daughter flourish. Those closest to Steve will remember his quick wit, mischievous nature, eye for fashion, and love for gourmet food. He was taken far too soon and will be sorely missed by his friends and family.
All funds received will be donated to Steve’s beloved daughter, Stella to put towards her scholarship.