If Steve had it his way, his obituary would say "Steve Kraaz died." and then we would "put him out on an iceberg with a bag of Oreos" and call it a day.

We have decided to write out something a little nicer below:

Stephen Kraaz, 80, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on March 25, 2026. He was born January 2, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois.

Steve graduated from Eisenhower High School and earned a degree in Speech and Drama from Northeastern Illinois University. In 1970 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a forward observer. After his service he and his family relocated to Omaha, where he enjoyed a successful career in sales until his retirement in 2006. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes, and was a loyal and active member of First Covenant Church.

Steve was a mentor and role model to all who know him. He loved to sing, dance, and live a life of adventure. He lived his Christian faith openly and was known for practicing what the scriptures preached, giving freely of his time, heart, and treasure to others.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Kraaz; children Heather (Dan) Latch and Todd (Julie) Kraaz; grandchildren Theresa Latch, Jessica (Blake) Wickman, Anna Latch, Grace Latch, Natalie Kraaz, and Landon Kraaz; and siblings Mary Cederstrand, Jack (Sarah) Kraaz, and Jude (Wayne) McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Cordaro, father Jack W. Kraaz II, and step‑father Joseph Cordaro.

Visitation: Tuesday, April 7, 5:00–6:00 PM

Celebration of Life: Tuesday, April 7, 6:30 PM (reception to follow)

First Covenant Church, 201 N. 90th St., Omaha

Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity or First Covenant Church.

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