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.