Robert "Steve" Koop

SALINA - Robert "Steve" Koop, 78, of Salina, passed away September 14, 2021.

He was born March 1, 1943, to John S. and Katherine (Paradise) Koop in Fairbury, Neb.

Steve spent his childhood in and around Jansen and Fairbury, Neb., running with a close group of family and friends. This is where his love of family and Nebraska Football took root,   blossomed, and spread throughout his entire life and family.

Steve moved to Kansas after high school, where he met and married his wife of 56 years, Kathryn (Bainbridge) Koop. To this union were born three wonderful children, Kristine, Karrie, and Ryan.

Moving to Salina in 1967, he owned and operated Steve's Service and later Big Cheese Pizza. Steve finished out his working years working for Bennett's, delivering El Dorado buses all over the United States and Canada.

Steve always believed in and supported young people, first through sponsoring many Salina Rec teams and Big Cheese employees, and then with his wife through the placing and mentoring of high school exchange students with the Youth for Understanding International Exchange Program.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws; daughter, Kristine; two infant granddaughters; three brothers; and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; daughter, Karrie Hilton (Nick); son, Ryan (Janaina); grandsons, Shane Stone, Kodie Stone (Torie), Khamry Stone, and Payton Koop; great-grandsons, Payton, Daven, Bryson, and William; sisters, Vivian Hock and Sevelta Krause; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11 a.m., at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 111 W Magnolia, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

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