Steven John Shantz, 52, of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Great Plains Health.

Steven was born October 1, 1965, to Robert Lloyd and Eunice Reina (Bleker) Shantz in Seattle, WA. He grew up in Washington State then following his graduation, he joined the U.S. Army in 1985. Steven served until ’87 then enlisted again and served from 1993-95.

Steven moved to North Platte after his discharge in ’87 and returned again following his second discharge, with a disability. In 2004 Steven married Karen Hoisington in Lexington and they made their home in North Platte. After Karen died in 2014, Steven met Ceceilia Lynn Richardson on a dating website. The two connected and after communicating for a year, they met face-to-face in 2016. They were united in marriage on April 11, 2017, in Lexington and lived in North Platte.

Steven enjoyed hunting and fishing when he could and had a strong connection to the Lord. He was a member of Cross of Christ and was inspired to spread the word of God to others on the computer. Steven was also concerned about his family and felt it was his responsibility to take care of them.

He leaves behind his wife, Ceceilia, and mother, Eunice Shantz, of North Platte; Allysa Hoisington Shantz, of Lexington, who he raised like a daughter; mother-in-law, Molly Richardson, stepdaughter, Tiffiny Richardson, and step-granddaughter, Kagome Richardson, all of Edgewood, TX; brothers, Timothy (Jodell) Shantz, of Omaha and Jeffrey Shantz, of North Platte; sisters, Valerie (Chuck) Wilson, of Elma, WA, and Paula Simonson, of Lynnwood, WA; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his first wife, Karen, Steven was preceded in death by his father, Robert Shantz, and father-in-law, Thomas Richardson.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Cross of Christ Revival Center with Pastor Dennis Leitner officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.