Steven Allen Kile, 62, died unexpectedly at his home in Nelson.

Steve was born to Janet and William Kile on Nov.14, 1957, in Red Cloud. The first few years he terrorized the neighbors before moving to the farm just east of Red Cloud with his parents and little brother, Pat. It was clear early on, that Steve was born to be an animal agriculturalist. The farm is where his interest for 4-H and FFA began.

After little sister, Lorri, entered the picture, breeding and showing cattle became a family affair. Steve had a keen eye for good cattle and the innate skill to make the good ones even better.

Following graduation from Red Cloud High School, Steve attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln receiving his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education. During his years at UNL, he traveled to livestock shows throughout the country making friends everywhere he went. He was a valued member of the nationally traveled UNL Livestock Judging Team. His teammates could count on Steve’s sharp wit and quick tongue to lighten the mood in even the most competitive situations. Steve’s other legacy at UNL, that will be remembered by his former roommates and friends, was the disgusting places he chose to live during his college years.

He made his home in Nelson, teaching agriculture education and leading the FFA Chapter. He took great pride in his students’ accomplishments. He was then offered a career in agriculture banking which took him to Kearney, Hastings, and finally back to Nelson, where he worked at the Commercial Bank until his death. Steve’s personal and professional experiences saw both the best and worst of times in the ag economy which shaped his empathy and expertise for his loyal lending customers.

Steve was involved in his community. He was a past board member of the Nuckolls County Fair and Nuckolls County Pheasants Forever Boards. At the time of his death, he was serving on the Nelson Housing Authority Board. Steve also had a passion for politics, where he served as the Nuckolls County Chair for the Nebraska Democratic Party, and he was a stalwart member of the Rules Committee who provided frank assessments of any issue for 14 years. He also enjoyed raising money for local, state and national candidates.

One of Steve’s greatest joys was Saturdays at the Husker football games, tailgating and cheering with his friends. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, and sense of humor. He was well read, witty, kind, considerate and unselfish. He was loved by all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

Steve is survived by his mother, Janet (Baker) Kile of Red Cloud; brother, Patrick Kile and wife, Heidi, of Cortland, sister Lorri Kile of Omaha; nephews, Wyatt and Sean Kile also of Cortland;, and his dear friend. Laurie Weber of Lincoln.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Kile.