Steve Ryan, 79, of Lincoln, formerly Oakland, Nebraska, died December 10, 2024. Born June 6, 1945 to Gladys (Bjornberg) and Myron Ryan, Oakland, Nebraska. Visual artist, photographer, graphic designer, and avid cook with a love for experimenting. Steve saw things the rest of us missed and he used design as a tool for education in his 40+ years of designing and building exhibits at the NE State Historical Society. A quiet observer with an irreverent sense of humor, he loved beat poetry and music of all genre—especially jazz. He never met a dog he didn't love. He enjoyed a lifelong connection with a large group of artists, musicians, and like-minded creatives that somehow all grew up in the same small town and migrated to Lincoln. Steve could still rock a ponytail and a leather jacket at almost eighty years old.

Survivors: wife of 53 years, Mary Jo Ryan, Lincoln, NE; brother and spouse, Tom and Jaow Ryan; niece and family, Marisa and Steve Kemnitz (Ken and Blake); nephews and families, Timm and Marla Ryan and Jay and Victoria Ryan (Aundrianna, Liam and Nolan); Cassandra Ryan-all of California. He will be sorely missed by many good friends.

Preceded in death by parents; and son, Jake Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the summer.

Memorials: Capital Humane Society, www.capitalhumanesociety.org.