Steven K. Grunberg
January 29, 1952 – May 20, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Steven K. Grunberg, a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor, and friend. Steve departed this life on May 20, 2024, at the age of 72, while engaging in one of his favorite hobbies—riding his bike. His legacy of love, wisdom, and unwavering tolerance will forever be cherished by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Steve found the love of his life later in life when he married Linda in 1989, embracing her children, Jay and Julie, as his own from the very first day. His role as a life and finance advisor to Jay and Julie was just the beginning of his lifelong commitment to his family’s happiness and success. His mentorship extended to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, where his patient guidance shaped their lives in immeasurable ways.
Known for his incredible intelligence, Steve held a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and was a math and finance wizard. His dedication to financial planning ensured an extraordinary life for his family, always dreaming of taking everyone on grand vacations that, while never fully realized due to life’s demands, were a testament to his generous spirit. He and Linda’s happiest times were spent vacationing, with plans for an incredible luxury cruise to Alaska in August that they eagerly anticipated.
Steve was a man of remarkable tolerance and acceptance, never casting judgment on others and never understanding why there couldn’t be more peace in the world. His liberal views never interfered with his relationships, allowing him to connect deeply and genuinely with people from all walks of life. His remarkable memory was legendary—he could recall with precision the dates and details of life’s significant moments. Fifty years from now, Steve will be sitting in heaven with Linda reminiscing of what he was wearing, the weather, and the day and time of his final bike ride on Earth.
A proud Eagle Scout, Steve exemplified the values of leadership, integrity, and service throughout his life. His commitment to the principles of Scouting was evident in his actions and his dedication to mentoring younger generations.
A lover of all sports and an avid participant, Steve’s active lifestyle was inspirational. He attended 12 Reformer Pilates classes every month, skied the black diamonds with a season pass to many Colorado ski resorts, and was an instrumental member of the Omaha Ski Club, which honored him with a lifetime membership for his pivotal role in its resurgence.
His passion for biking led him on long, fast rides, often exceeding 40 miles. Tragically, it was during one of these rides, nearly completing a trek from Bennington to Bellevue and back, that he suffered a fatal heart attack. He was so strong and tough, maybe too tough for his own good as he never complained of health issues, pains, or so much as a common cold. Steve also had a love for rugby, playing his last games in his 60s, earning a Man of the Year award from the Omaha G.O.A.T.s Rugby Club in 2011, and coaching high school teams.
Steve was a dedicated Husker Baseball season ticket holder and was eagerly looking forward to watching Nebraska play in the Big 10 tournament. He was also the ultimate Cubs fan, enduring years of heartbreak before finally celebrating their World Series win in 2016 with a bottle of champagne he had saved for the occasion, marking each year with a new sticker until that glorious victory.
Steve’s life was a testament to passion, love, and the relentless pursuit of joy. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Julie Gall (Chris) and Jay Froscheiser (Angelia); his grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, Noah and Anna; great-grandchildren Keyley and Kayden; brother, Greg Grunberg and sister Judy Stewart (Terry); aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and countless friends. His memory will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us always to live life to the fullest, with kindness, tolerance, and an unyielding zest for adventure.
Rest in peace, Steven K. Grunberg. Your spirit rides on in our hearts.
Family will receive friends Friday, May 24th, from 5-7PM at West Center Chapel.
Funeral: Saturday, May 25th, 11AM at West Center Chapel with a reception to follow.
The Family kindly suggests memorials to Scouting BSA or The Red Cross. Alternatively, Steve’s wish is for people to do a good deed for a stranger in his name.
21 Comments
We will always remember and cherish those wonderful group bike rides Steve would organize. He will truly be missed by many. Prayers for Linda and family at this most difficult crossroad of life.
I will always remember and cherish those rugby days and games being led by our “commander”. He took over as our honorary leader and guided us misfits the best he could. He will truly be missed by many. Prayers for Linda and family.
Steve became a dear friend when we moved to Omaha in 1984. He was one of the first guys to greet Bob at Rugby practice. Steve was so enthusiastic about everything and his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be missed, we know. RIP, dear Steve.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So many Sportsclub and ski club memories and all the thanksgiving ski trip memories. Rest in peace friend!!
My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this time.
Steve took me under his wing as a young rugby player of 21 years old..He always asked if I needed a ride to away matches, and didn’t hesitate to to offer to feed me as well, knowing the my factored job
at that time didn’t pay that well…will always feel honored that he made my life a little easier as I tried to find my way in life.
Steve was such a wonderful guy, as is Linda. I was so shocked to hear of Steve ‘s passing. He was a great humanitarian and husband and kind and compassionate person to all he knew. He touched so many lives without even realizing it. Rest in peace, Steve. So many wonderful rugby memories, dear friend. Our deepest condolences to you, Linda, and all the rest of the family. God bless you all.
Steve was such a wonderful guy, as is Linda. I was so shocked to hear of Steve ‘s passing. He was a great humanitarian and husband and kind and compassionate person to all he knew. He touched so many lives without even realizing it. Rest in peace, Steve. So many wonderful rugby memories, dear friend. Our deepest condolences to you, Linda, and all the rest of the family. God bless you all.
Steve was one of my best friends from our rugby platmying days with Omaha rugby club. We also enjoyed meeting for UNL girl’s basketball and UNL baseball games. He was a real fan of UNL sports.
I will always remember all the years we were friends.
Steve was a friend to all who knew his positive personality.
My condolences to his family. He will be truly missed by all
RIP BROTHER.
This is such sad news. I knew Steve through work at DTN and many rounds of golf over the years. He seemed to remember everything and everyone and always had a story to tell. We will all miss him and keep him in our thoughts.
Prayers for dear Linda and all her family! We enjoyed Steve and Linda’s company so much! God bless! Beautiful words Jay. 💖
My thoughts go out to Linda and the rest of Steve’s family. I had the pleasure of working with Steve some years back. He was a truly genuine individual. I think all who came in contact with Steve were better from that experience. The world is a bit less good without him.
Steve had a very large personality and never said anything bad about anybody. To his family and friends how lucky were we to have him in our lives. Steve lived life large and he was definitely in charge. Take special care of yourselves during this time of sorrow
I’m so stunned by Steve’s passing . I skied with him ,rode with him to Colorado ,meals together, and talks with him. He was always a joy ! I will miss him Linda you had a wonderful husband and friend , God be with you and yours.
My interactions with Steve revolved mostly around rugby in Omaha over the past 20-ish years. Steve was an ardent supporter of local rugby as displayed by his coaching of high school, women’s and men’s rugby. A member of the old Omaha Rugby Club, he would not let us forget that Omaha had started in 1973, whereas the GOATS didn’t start until 1978. Upon the re-unification of the 2 clubs around 2004, he never lost his passion to have our ‘founding’ listed as 1973…he didn’t win that one. I recall one time around 6-7 years ago where we both, as coaches, needed to play in a GOATS match, even though Steve was over 65 YO at the time. Didn’t phase him one bit. I believe he was awarded Man-of-the-match in that one! Steve, thank you for your many years of devotion to local rugby and for being a good friend to myself and many others. I will have a Blue Moon in your honor. You were, and will forever be A True Gentleman!
I only played Rugby with Steve for a couple of years. I left for Colorado in 1980 and didn’t return until 1990. Steve was a great teammate, but he truly excelled at keeping the game alive and maintaining the contact list of all the old boys. He even coached my boys Mac and Patrick when they played in high school.. Thank you keeping us in contact so we could continue to lie to each other about how great we were when we were young. The Irish have a phrase, “Aman Mor” or “Great Soul”. It means someone whose mere presence enhances the lives of those around him. Steve, until we again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Linda & family-my sincere condolences to all of you. My memory of Steve took place at our home at a Christmas party. Each guest was paired up w/someone in the group & had to act out one of the 12 days of Christmas-Steve chose one of my African drums & seemed to know what he was doing in playing that drum. He was kind compassionate considerate & fun. -we moved from Omaha so I lost contact w:he & Linda but enjoyed both of them.
During this very difficult time may you find some peace in looking back on all the activities you did together & knowing how special he was to so many people. He will be missed. Peace and prayers to each of you.
Ride on, Steve ride on, you were a force of nature in the most positive way.
I was fortunate to have caught up with Steve a couple of years ago at his mom’s funeral reception. I was so impressed by what outstanding qualities he had developed over the 50-some years since our parents were friends, we were playmates, and attended Miller Park Elementary School. The humility, industriousness, and make-every-minute-count values of the 28th & Browne St. neighborhood had a great future ambassador in Steve, despite his family’s later move to Benson, and Steve’s eventual settlement in Millard.
An Eagle Scout who was focused, values centered, and with his great memory never forgot where he came from. On those occasional rainy days my late father could not have transported a finer passenger to and from school. Steve lived a totally astounding life, that at different times, touched more lives than could ever be tallied. My condolences to the Grunberg family.
Heartfelt condolences to Steve’s wife Linda, brother Greg and sister Judy. Steve carried on the great family values his parents Eunice and George Grunberg taught him. If more people would be like Steve, this world would be a better place..
I knew Steve in college at UNL. He was such a good man. Our paths wildly diverged after college, but I’ve always held him in high regard. I work up in the middle of the night thinking about him tonight and googled him. And there was his obit. I’m so glad that Steve found his great love and had a loving family. My condolences to all who mourn him.
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