Steven "Steve" Joseph Kaune
November 25, 1951 ~ February 20, 2025
Steven “Steve” Joseph "Papa" Kaune went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2025 after a long battle with kidney disease. A private family celebration to be held at a later date.
Steve was born November 25, 1951 to Melvin and Elizabeth (Betty) Kaune in Dubuque, Iowa. Steve attended Wahlert High School and graduated from Loras College. There were no strangers to Steve - to know him was to be his friend.
After college, Steve went on to work at the Dubuque Packing Co., FDL, and Farmland where he retired after a transfer in 2000 to the Wichita, KS area.
Steve married the love of his life, Karen Marie Kilkelly on October 7, 1977. Steve and Karen’s daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks of Goddard, KS and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari of Wichita, KS, meant the world to them until the grandchildren came along.
Steve was an avid softball player, spending many years organizing fast-pitch teams. He also enjoyed refereeing football and basketball where he was often remembered as a mentor to young coaches and countless young athletes.
After moving to Wichita, Steve became active in the area Master Gardeners Program.
Steve’s grandchildren were the light of his life. He would often give them rides to school, practices, and rarely missed a game even if he had to catch them online due to his health. There was often a fresh-baked cookie from the drive-through if the kids had a good day at school. He was the Greatest Papa to each of them in their own special way.
Steve was a friend to everyone he met, sending birthday wishes, uplifting memes and positive messages to people all over the country. If he knew someone needed a ride, he provided it, if he knew someone needed a visit, he visited. Early mornings were Steve's favorite time of the day, and he spent his mornings sending texts and posts to help others start their day with joy.
Steve is preceded in death by his father and mother, father and mother-in-law, and brother-in-law Mike "Buck" Powers. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen; daughters, Danielle (Chris) Reicks and Tiffany (Kelvin) Kingari; grandchildren, CJ and Breckin Reicks, Tallen Engels, Kiyan and Kyrie Kingari; six siblings; his in-laws; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and his life-long friend, Gerald "Beanie" Baumhover.
May Steve rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.
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My heart aches for the Kaune family as I write this. Steve was an amazing person simply put. I have fond memories of playing softball with Tiffany and Danielle, many sleepovers, bike rides, Christmas parties, running around the neighborhood and so many more. Steve was always so kind and never missed an opportunity to call me “the great one”, I can still hear him saying it even after all these years. So very sorry for your loss, but so grateful for his existence ❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With sympathy and love.
I met Steve the summer of 72 when he was a playground director at Comiskey playground in Dubuque Iowa. I was 14. It was either that summer or the next that he and “Pooty”Reiter painted our house. It took forever. I still remember Steve telling me to not do today what you can put off until tomorrow. Of course! They did finally finish, and a few years later I actually helped Steve when Pooty was off for a week. My last memory of Steve was in the early 80s as I rode my bike home from work. I always took Washington Street hoping he might be out when I went by. He was a couple times, and I’d stop and talk to the Count. Through the years I would think of him. He certainly was one of those from my past that I would have loved to see again. I missed out. But thank you, Steve, for being a fond part of my past. And while you’re up there painting the pearly gates, remember: Don’t do today what you can put off until tomorrow! God bless you.
Mike Delaney
I got to know Steve at Loras College, we belonged to ETZ where Steve and I had a lot of good times at parties and other events. We were both interested in fast pitch softball, so this was some thing we talked about. We lost track of each other when he moved in the early 2000. Found each other back on Facebook. To his family I am very sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace Steve, hope you find a team to coach and have some beers after
Steve was like a 2nd dad to me. I have many memories of playing softball, kickball in the yard, sleding down the hill and then coming inside to sit by the fire Steve prepared. A lot of my childhood memories have Steve in them. He was a great man, so kind and giving. My deepest sympathy. Sending prayers and hugs.
Sorry for your loss….missing him and our talks a lot already. Thanks for putting my name in the obituary Greatly Appreciated…… RIP County aka THE COUNT!
From:
Beanie Baumhover..
Placed on here by Beanie niece Jessica…raised by gma mugs & beanie.( (County was a great guy to us in many ways)
Dear Karen, Danielle, Tiffany and family, Bob and Rory send our prayers and love. So sorry for your loss. We will always have happy memories from when we were neighbors.
The Herbst Family were very blessed to have known Steve and Karen in the 80’s. Steve was a amazing neighbor. Alway up for a game of cards and a beer!! May God Bless All of You during this very sad time.
Jane, Kevin, Aaron, Courtney, and Taylor.
Karen, So sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. I remember all the fun times we had in Dubuque coming over to your house. Steve would always make a great supper and drinks:) You and the kids all have my sympathy.
Judy (Steil) Faulhaber
Karen, you have been on my mind for the past several weeks. Now so many of us have cell phones and no home phones, however I could have gotten in touch with the church to ask for your number- and didn’t . Read in the church Vernacular today of Steven’s passing. Sending you our condolences thru this method. Sincerely Jack and Norma Peak.