Steve was born on January 13, 1949, in Topeka, Kansas, to L.A. and Barbara (Swaney) Lockert. Throughout his childhood he lived in several cities, including Green Bay, Wisconsin, before eventually settling in Lincoln. He attended Union College, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They were united in marriage in 1969, and together they welcomed two sons, Matthew (Matt) and Eric.
Steve spent many years as a traveling carpet salesman before joining O Street Carpet in Lincoln, where he worked for more than 30 years until his retirement. Known for his reliability, good humor, and strong work ethic, he built lasting relationships with coworkers and customers alike.
Steve and Kathy shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling, attending shows, and watching sports together. When Kathy passed away in 2017, it was a profound loss for Steve. Her absence weighed heavily on him, yet he carried her memory forward with finding comfort in family and the traditions they built together, including Christmas enchiladas.
Above all, Steve cherished time spent with his grandchildren Jordan, Eli, and Norah and bonus grandchildren Drew and Audrey. Watching them grow, play, and pursue their passions brought him immense joy.
A lifelong sports fan, Steve proudly cheered for the Green Bay Packers, the Kansas City Royals, and the Huskers. A few of his favorite memories include attending the PGA Championship in 2022 in Tulsa, OK, Packers vs 49ers playoff game in Green Bay with Eric, Eli, and longtime friend Steve Carper, and Kansas City Royals ALCS game with Matt, Jordan and Steve Carper.
Active throughout his life, Steve loved playing golf and basketball, making music on both the guitar and banjo, reading, and watching movies. His most recent adventure took him to Norway, the homeland of his ancestors, where he traveled with his Aunt Sue, an experience he treasured deeply. One of his favorite summertime activities was his annual trip to Mahoney State Park with Jordan, Eli, and Norah.
Most recently, Steve enjoyed his weekly lunches with longtime friends Gene Leuking, Larry Paul, Bryan Bradley, and Ken Merkel.
Steve will be remembered for his kindness, his easy laugh, his devotion to family, and the genuine way he connected with everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the people he loved and the memories he created. The family takes comfort in knowing he is now back together with Kathy and their beloved dogs.
Steve is survived by his children Matt (Brook) Lockert of Lincoln and Eric (Christine) Lockert of Lincoln; Grandchildren Jordan Lockert, Eli and Norah Lockert, and bonus grandchildren Drew and Audrey Erhart; his dog Jack; brother Matthew Embury; Aunt Sue Olson; cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen; his mother Barbara, father L.A. and stepmother Dorothy; his in-laws Kenneth and Florence Stonebrook; and sister Lisa Embury.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, September 16th, 2026, at Roper and Sons South Chapel (3950 Hohensee Dr. Lincoln NE).
Memorials to the family for later designation.