Brian grew up in South Lincoln and attended Humann Elementary school, followed by Pound Junior High School. He attended Lincoln Southwest High School and graduated in 2005. Art teacher at Pound, Mr. Carey was a very special teacher and mentor to Brian. Through that class and many others where he made some of his closest friends who he remained in touch with. Some of his best memories in school were in Mr. Careys Art room and he told us new stories all the time.
He held several part time jobs through high school, one being at Subway. After high school, he continued to work at Subway for several years A smell that will forever remind us of him. Brian spent the last several years in the construction industry. He was extremely hard-working and was always willing to lend a hand.
Brian was engaged to the love of his life Jessarae Vannatta of Lincoln Nebraska and was planning a September 2024 wedding celebration.
Brian was an avid baseball player and fan. He had strong opinions that no team was better than the Chicago Cubs. At the age of 4, Brian would attend Legion baseball games with his father. He would sing “Take Me Out to The Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch on the field microphone. Of course, he always added” root, root, root for cubbies” in the song regardless of who was playing the game. One of his best experiences was a trip to STL with his baby sister Whitney and her husband Blake to support his Cubs in the Cardinal town.
During the Covid quarantine, out of boredom, Brian decided to take an online course to become an ordained minister. A text his family found hilarious until it came in handy as he officiated his sister Carrie’s wedding later that summer.
He also enjoyed football and was a fan of the Cornhuskers as well as his favorite professional team, the Los Angeles Chargers. One of he and Jess’s favorite traditions was going to Chiefs, Chargers games together, each sporting their own jerseys and taking bets on who was going to go home the happiest.
Brian spent many summers playing on a softball team with many of his friends. Brian and his fiancé Jess were also avid frisbee golfers and dart players. When they could get away, they loved trips to Colorado to spend time with good friends. The mountains were his all-time favorite place and hiking and camping was what put the biggest smile on his face. That smile we all know and love and will remember forever.
Brian’s fur baby, “Mummy” was also a highlight of his life. From the day he rescued her, she was the apple of his eye.
Brian is survived by his fiancé, Jessarae Vannatta, his parents, Jon Sterns and Debra (Kapperman) Sterns, sisters Carrie (Sterns) Olsen and husband Joshua Olsen, Whitney (Sterns) Schneider and husband Blake Schneider, nephews Isaac Tomhave, Camden Olsen and Holden Olsen. Jessarae’s parents, David Vannatta and Trudy Newcomer, future brother-in-law Turner Vannatta and wife Audrey Vannatta and niece Ivy Jean.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 12, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln NE 68516.
Following the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. there will be a gathering at Rosie’s Bar and Grill, 1501 Center Park Rd, Lincoln, NE 68512. We encourage everyone to join the family to continue our celebration of Brian’s life.