Steven Brian Stortz, 57

Funeral services for Steven Brian Stortz, 57, of Hampton, IA, formerly of Norfolk, will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Christ Lutheran Church, in Norfolk, NE. Reverend Mike Moreno will officiate. Burial will be New Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:00 p.m., on Monday, December 27 at Christ Lutheran Church. Home for Funerals is in charge of the arrangements.

Steve died on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the VA Hospital in Omaha. Steve was born on March 2, 1964, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Melvin and Carolyn (Hopperstad) Stortz. He was baptized at Epiphany Lutheran Church on March 29, 1964. He was raised in St. Louis. He attended public school until 7th grade when he transferred to Green Park Lutheran School and graduated from Lutheran High South in June of 1982.

On September 30, 1983, Steve married his high school sweetheart, Charlene Hiatt. The couple moved to Seward, NE, for him to attend and graduate from Concordia College in May of 1986. Steve earned his degree in Elementary Education.

After graduation, the family moved to Norfolk where he was employed at Christ Lutheran School. Over the years, Steve taught grades 3, 4, 7 and 5. He, also, taught computer. In 2008, Steve was appointed Principal at Christ Lutheran School.

Steve continued his education and received his Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UNL in December of 1991. As principal, he took classes to work towards a second Master’s degree through Concordia University in Seward.

In 2019, the family moved to Hampton, IA, when Steve took a position with St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Latimer, IA, where he was employed at the time of his death.

Steve loved his Lord and his family, in that order. His greatest joy was working with students of all ages and sharing his love of Christ. He had a huge interest in computers and anything futuristic, especially Star Trek. He is often spoken of as being one of kindest most gentle men people ever meet, as well as a very good listener.

Steve is survived by his wife of 38 years, Charlene; their children: Renee St John, of Omaha, Brian (Alicia) Stortz, of Meadow Grove, NE, Bethany (Mike) Slatten, of Fort Calhoun, NE, Matthew (Lacey) Stortz, of York, NE, Daniel Stortz and his fiancée, Courtney Wallace, of Blue Hill, NE; 10 grandchildren; one brother, Scott Stortz, of St. Louis, MO; one sister, Cathy (Steve) Ripley, of Chillicothe, MO; one nephew: Dalton and one niece: Claire.

He was preceded in death by his father.