Steve Allen Melchert

Steve Allen Melchert, 55, passed away November 29, 2012, quietly at his home in Stratton, Nebraska due to complications from an automobile accident that occurred October 14, 2009.

Steve was born on July 10, 1957 in McCook, NE to Alfred and Burdean (Geihsler) Melchert.

Steve graduated from Stratton High School in May of 1975; he then attended Hastings Community College graduating in 1978 with a degree in auto body repair. After graduation he worked for Hormel Chevy in McCook, Nebraska. On June 22, 1979 Steve and Karin Alexander were married in Estes Park, Colorado and soon after moved to Scottsbluff, Nebraska where Steve worked for the National Federation of Independent Business. In 1981, Steve and Karin returned to Stratton and started his own business; Steve's Auto Repair, where he worked until 2000 when he purchased A & B Motors from his parents.

Steve's community was important to him, he could always be found helping out somewhere. He was a member and chief of the Stratton Rural Fire Department and a former member of the Stratton Lions Club. Steve was an avid pilot; he was a member of the Civil Air Patrol and enjoyed taking friends and family for rides and flying for relaxation. Steve was also and probably most remembered as a car enthusiast. Steve spent many years racing his stock car at the local tracks, and driving or working on his beloved 69' Camaros.

Steve is predeceased in death by his grandparents Lorenz and Anna Melchert and Harold and Sophia Geihsler; and a nephew Corporal Matthew Alexander.

Steve is survived by his wife, Karin Melchert of Stratton, Nebraska; three daughters: Melissa Melchert and her fiancé© Mike White and grandson Ayden White of South Bend, Indiana, Stephanie Melchert and her fiancé© Antonio Buelna of Omaha, Nebraska and Lindsey Melchert of Lincoln, Nebraska; his parents, Alfred and Burdean Melchert of Stratton, Nebraska; brother Richard Melchert and wife, Karen, of Trenton, Nebraska; 12 nieces and 18 nephews with numerous aunts, uncles and relatives.

Memorials may be given in his name to the Stratton Volunteer Fire Department.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 2, 2012, from 4-8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com

Funeral services will be Monday, December 3, 2012, 10:30 a.m. at the Stratton United Methodist Church with Rev. Sheila Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at the Trenton Cemetery.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.