Steven Arthur Sykes
Steven Arthur Sykes died peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born December 26, 1945, to Rex and Myrna Sykes in Nelson, Nebraska. He lived on a farm north of Oak, Nebraska, until going off to college at UNK. While there he met his future wife, Lynn Kuhns. They were married, during their final year in college, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ruskin, Nebraska. Steve and Lynn moved to Lexington, Nebraska, in the summer of 1969, and began their teaching careers. He taught there for 33 years in both the science and physical education fields. He was an avid fan of athletics and loved being a color commentator for the minutemen basketball and football games. He started the girls’ volleyball program at Lexington and won two state championships. His most favorite part though was watching his two sons, Jeff and Jeremy play. Steve and Lynn both retired in 2003 and had twenty-three wonderful years together to travel, follow their beloved Huskers, (having season tickets to men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and football), and watching their grandchildren’s sports and activities.
Steve is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynn, son Jeff and partner Crystal Roberts, son Jeremy and grandchildren Paisley, Piper, Paige, Kendall and Grayson, sisters Lana (Gary) Jordan, Loma (Dennis) Grone, and brother Phil Sykes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, in laws Don and Irene Kuhns, sisters-in-law Bonnie Sykes, Beverly and Idonna Kuhns, and three brothers-in-law Donovin, Richard and Rod Kuhns.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Sheridan Lutheran Church; 6955 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68516.
Lynn would like to thank Dr. Anthony Dresbach for his many years of excellent care of Steve.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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Condolences for Steven Arthur Sykes
💔 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Love Aunt Dorothy Kuhns and Deanne Harms
Our deepest sympathies Lynn and family. May God grant you his peace and strength for this hour.
Love Doug & Monica Kuhns
My deepest condolences to you, Lynn, and your family. Such a great loss and he will be missed!
Dear Sykes Family,
I want to share my condolences! Mr. Sykes was a much loved teacher and fellow Grace Lutheran member. I’m thinking about your family.
– Suzie Rowe
Gary is Steve’s cousin. His mother Ruth was Rex’s sister. I am slow in sending our sympathy at Steve’s passing. I don’t even know when we’d seen him last, but I’m aware that the Sykes families spent time together when the kids were younger and Grandma Lulu was alive. So—there are early memories, though Gary is actually a month younger than Lana. May your memories sustain you!
I joined the Lex staff the year you left as Speech teacher and Speech coach but retired in 2008 and then taught English at UNK for 3 years.
I’m hoping all is going well with you and your sons. It’s not easy to lose a loved one.
Covid hit Gary’s brain in 2020, so he’s been in ltc most of that time. His brain has healed except the spot it hit .
Blessings to you and yours.