Steven D. Conley
May 13, 1950 – May 18, 2020
Survived by Darcy Beck; children: Stefanie D. Conley, Kristina M. Conley, and Sandra E. Conley, grandchildren: Autumn M-R. Love, Jayden I. Conley, Payton M. Love and Brayden T. Love.
A private family service will be held, with a celebration of life at a later date.
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You might have seen Steve at a Storm Chasers game, wrangling rowdy grandchildren, or passed him at Menard’s as he and wife Darcy obsessed over picking the perfect shrub for a home landscaping project. Maybe you caught sight of him proudly cruising the street in his classic 1966 Cadillac or spotted him on the golf course patiently teaching a grandson to swing.
Steve was hard to miss — a giant of a man with bright red hair and an even brighter smile. And if you had the privilege of getting to know the person behind that smile, you discovered wry humor, warmth and a good-hearted willingness to help.
The only child of Don and Irma Conley, Steve was born and raised in Omaha. After graduating from Westside High School, he attended University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned an architecture degree. His career included positions in design, building and project management for private firms as well as public entities including the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Steve had three daughters with his first wife, Marti. The oldest, Stefanie, is an award-winning teacher and mother to his four grandchildren, Jayden, Autumn, Payton and Brayden. Daughter Krysti is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Sandy, the youngest, is a project manager for the Union Pacific Railroad.
Each of the grandchildren had a unique relationship with Steve. He taught Jayden woodworking and inspired his interest in carpentry. He planned to teach Autumn to drive. He took Payton to his football games, Brayden to his baseball games, and he out-cheered every other grandparent.
Steve’s devotion to his children and grandchildren was matched only by his love for Darcy, whom he married in 2000. The two of them shared their love of home design, art, fashion, good food and large pets. Steve leaves behind two grieving dogs and one cat in addition to his human family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Steven D. Conley Scholarship Fund for Architectural Studies, to be awarded by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
12 Comments
Tim & I we’re so sad to read the news of Steve’s passing. Have very war memories of Steve’s sense of humor
Impossible so sorry for your loss, I hope you know that I did all I could that day to save him.
From the bottom of my heart, Thank you so much Robyn. Thank you for being there and trying to help my dad. And for being with him so he wasn’t alone. You’ll never know how much that means to us.
Steve and I were friends for 50 years. We did a lot together,saw each other through many good times and bad and played many rounds of golf. The sunshine is not as bright now.
Darcy and family, my heart hurts for you. My wish for each of you is healing and peace.
Stephanie, Krysti and Sandra. I’m so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. It’s been many years since I’ve seen any of you, but remember when you Dad would drop you girls off and pick you up when I babysat for you all those years ago. Prayers to all
Thoughts and prayers to all th family. Remember Steve from college and the fun times.
Steve was an awesome friend and my world is a little darker without his wit and compassion. He was a pleasure to work with and a pleasure to know. I feel lucky to have been his friend and will keep all of you in my prayers. I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Conley Family – I am deeply saddened by the loss of Steve. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects for many years. I always enjoyed visiting with him – he was a very special person. I know he would be very proud to know of the architectural scholarship.
Sara Kay, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects, Nebraska Chapter.
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was an amazing person who always brought energy and humor everywhere he went. He was such an advocate for the design community and he will be greatly missed.
For those wondering how to donate to the scholarship fund set up to honor the amazingly talented architect that my dad was, here is a link for you. Thank you all for your love and condolences. We all appreciate it more than you know.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/steven-d-conley-scholarship-for-architecture?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
Stefanie, Kristin, and Sandy, I just read about Steve’s passing in your mom’s Christmas letter. I was so sorry to hear that he was gone. He was one of my best friends since college and for many years thereafter. He was always so kind to me and he loved all of you so much. I have so many fun memories of your dad and the three of you. Please know that Steve will be missed.
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