Stephen R "Steve" Kane

Stephen "Steve" R. Kane, 67, of Junction City, passed away on March 21, 2023, after a long journey with Lewy Body Dementia. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Johnson Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 31, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Doug Hamilton officiating. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will follow service at St. Mary's Cemetery. As Steve was an avid K-State Wildcat fan, family would like to encourage those in attendance for any of the services to wear their casual K-State and purple attire. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic School.

Steve was born on October 26, 1955, the son of Harold and Mabel (Hood) Kane. He was a 1973 graduate of Junction City High School and a lifelong resident of Junction City. While cruising Sixth Street in 1975, he met the love of his life, Rosie Lauri. On August 4, 1978, Steve and Rosie married and from that union, came their two daughters, Amy and Stefanie.

As a Kansas State University Alumnus, Steve was the epitome of a true wildcat fan and he never turned down the opportunity to cheer on the cats; he also loved the Chiefs and Royals. Though known as a soft-spoken man, Steve proudly and loudly cheered during games be it in person or on TV.

Steve devoted much of his free time to coaching his girls’ sports teams and volunteering at St. Xavier Catholic School sporting events such as the football chain gang and score keeping. From 1983 until his retirement, Steve worked in Internal Review and Audit Compliance on Ft. Riley. At the time of his retirement, he was serving as the Internal Review and Audit Compliance Director.

Steve was a devoted and loyal husband and father. He loved his girls so much that he even danced in recitals and competed in pageants as the Tin Man. He was skilled at and enjoyed woodworking, creating many pieces for friends and family.

Steve was looking forward to his retirement years and loved being Pop Pop to his four grandchildren. He enjoyed watching his grandkids’ games and recitals. His grandchildren were the light of life for the last fourteen years. His retirement years and time as Pop Pop was cut short due to his Lewy Body Dementia.

As a man of few words, Steve had a quiet but strong presence; he had a way of making you feel supported without feeling judged. He used his words wisely and only when needed, whether for advice or to crack a joke. Family always came first and that was evident in the way he cared for both immediate and extended family. He always showed up to lend a helping hand or to just be present. Kids loved him for the way he acknowledged and interacted with them, and he could always be counted on to do his Donald Duck impression.

Steve is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his two Daughters, Amy (Matt) Bailey of Topeka, Kansas, and Stefanie (Andrew) Darrow of Junction City, Kansas; brother, Gene (Miki) Kane of Gilbert, Arizona; three sisters, Pat Hartung of Wamego, Kansas, Sharon Booker of Park City, Kansas, and Kristin (Marshall) Rhyne of Junction City, Kansas; two granddaughters, Emma Bailey and Kinsley Darrow; two grandsons, Blake Bailey and Bentley Darrow; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Melvin Kane.



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