July 1, 1950 - June 12, 2025
Beloved husband, father, Gumpa, and friend
Steven "Steve" Fredrick Verch passed away peacefully at age 74 after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer and COPD.
Born in Rockford, Illinois, Steve grew up with a knack for fixing things and a quiet strength that would carry him through life. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, a chapter that shaped his deep sense of duty and resilience.
After returning from service, Steve pursued his education and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1982. He went on to build a respected career with the City of Omaha, where he served as a city inspector and later as a project manager in construction. Known for his sharp eye and commitment to quality, Steve took pride in making his community a better place—one project at a time.
In 1983, he married the love of his life, Betty. Together, they built an adventurous life filled with laughter, projects, and love. They went on to raise two daughters, Megan and Rachel, passing down his values of hard work, grit, and a sharp sense of humor.
Steve had a lifelong love for the water. Boating and fishing were his happy places, and one of his proudest personal projects was rebuilding a Mark Twain boat from the ground up. Megan and Rachel will never forget the many free boat rides that came with it or the unforgettable boat ramp debacles that turned into some of their favorite family stories.
Known for his “mic drop” one-liners and dry humor, Steve’s wit was especially appreciated by his sons-in-law, Erik and Zack. In a room full of bold personalities, Steve never competed for attention—he simply waited for the perfect moment to deliver the line everyone would remember.
To his grandchildren—Isaac, Norah, and Ginny—he was lovingly known as “Gumpa.” Whether cheering on the Huskers (he never missed a game), sharing quiet jokes, or hosting spontaneous tea parties, Gumpa’s presence always brought comfort and joy.
Steve also had a gift for building and fixing just about anything. From expanding the family home in the Keystone neighborhood with a full garage to teaching his daughters “tricks of the trade,” he showed them how to tackle life’s problems head-on—and to do it right the first time.
Steve was preceded in death by his brother Al Verch, sister Sara Ermeling, brother Rob Verch, and his parents, Marie and Robert Verch.
He leaves behind a legacy of strength, love, and unforgettable humor. He will be deeply missed by his wife Betty; daughters Megan (Erik) Friedman and Rachel (Zack) Warren; grandchildren Isaac Friedman, Norah Friedman, and Ginny Warren; sisters in laws Joella Verch and Maxine Verch, and the many family and friends who had the joy of knowing him.
In honor of Steve’s life, donations can be made to local veteran organizations.
Fair winds, Gumpa. Thank you for everything you built—with your hands, your heart, and your humor.
Services will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Omaha, NE on June 26, 2025 at 10:30am. Luncheon to follow.
