Bob D. Stepp

Bobby Dean Stepp was born on May 9, 1938 to Gordon William and Florence Josephine (Sutton) in Hydro, Oklahoma. He had two younger siblings who adored him throughout his life. He died at age 75 on April 12, 2014. Bob was baptized and confirmed at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, Nebraska on December 24, 1960.  He married Mary Pauline Isernhagen on May 8, 1960 at Peace Lutheran church in Deshler, Nebraska.  They had three sons.

Bob attended high school at El Reno, Oklahoma and graduated in 1956. After graduation, he started working on the Railroad. His 43 year career included working for the Rock Island, Cotton Belt and Kyle railroads, working as a brakeman, conductor, and engineer.  In retirement, Bob drove part time as a charter bus driver for Heartland Coaches and Windstar Charters.

Bob not only enjoyed his time as a railroader but also built a strong connection to his community where he volunteered in many capacities.  He served on the Jefferson County Historical Society Board, Fairbury Planning and Zoning Commission, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Fairbury Concert Association, American Lutheran Church and the ELCA English as a Second Language program.

Throughout his life Bob enjoyed restoring furniture, collecting railroad artifacts and other antiques, working on old cars, stock car racing, motorcycles, playing cards and other games .

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; son David (Brenda)  of St. Michael, Minnesota; son Bradley (Amy) of Stoughton, Wisconsin; son Andrew (Cathy) of Kansas City, Missouri ; grandchildren Samantha, Austin, Geena, Garrett and Rachel ; brother Gary (Rhonda) Stepp of Yukon, Oklahoma; sister Deanna (Bruce) Carroll of El Reno, Oklahoma; brother and sister-in-law Mike and Mary Isernhagen of Deshler, Nebraska; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon William and Florence and a sister, Brenda Jo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for distribution to his favorite charities at a later date.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 17, 2014 at the American Lutheran Church in Fairbury, with Pastor Brian Julin-McCleary officiating. Burial at the Deshler Cemetery – Deshler, NE, at 2:30 p.m.   Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of arrangements.