Stephen “Steve” R. Dugger

Stephen “Steve” R. Dugger, 78, of Palmer, died Sunday, May 31, 2026, at his home in Palmer.

A graveside service with military honors was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer. Musical selections included “Mama, I’m Coming Home” and “If I Close My Eyes Forever.”

A celebration of Steve’s life immediately followed at the American Legion Club in Palmer. In lieu of memorial contributions, the family asks that you simply share your favorite stories and memories of Steve.

Steve was born on November 16, 1947, in Central City, to Glen and Etta Belle (Knapp) Dugger. He grew up in Palmer and attended Palmer Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1966.

A proud veteran, Steve served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from July 1968 until July 1969.

On December 31, 2015, Steve was reunited in marriage to Bridget Fox in Grand Island. The couple made their home and continued to reside in Palmer.

Steve dedicated his entire career to working as a journeyman lineman. He worked for various local municipalities before settling at Kayton Electric in Holdrege in 1979, where he remained until his retirement in 2021. Steve took great pride in his trade and was honored to be one of the very first employees of the company, witnessing its rapid expansion and transition into IES Electric in 1999. Deeply committed to helping others, Steve also served as a volunteer fireman in Central City while residing there from 1974 until 1977.

A true free spirit, when Steve wasn’t working, he could be found lost in the pages of a good book, riding his Harley motorcycle down the open road, or on horseback helping local ranchers Steve is survived by his wife, Bridget Dugger of Palmer; former wife, Coralene Hamel of Hastings; his children, John Dugger and his fiancé, Tonia Johnson of Elkhorn, Seth Zeckser and wife Maggie of Ayr, Shana Dugger and fiancé, Mike Lux of Palmer, Benjamin Dugger of Palmer, Dylan Dugger of Lincoln, and Clayton Dugger of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his brother and sistersin- law, Bill and Deb Dugger of Harlingen, Texas and Marilyn Dugger of Palmer; and his thirteen grandchildren, Jack Foreman, Colt Scott, Cody, Broden, Logan, and Grady Zeckser, and Rory, Rocco, Remy, Bailey, Savanah, Oliver, and Kaden Dugger.

Steve was preceded in death by parents; his grandparents; brother, Diedrich Dugger; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Debra Dugger; his sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Harold Kaiser; his son, Steve Brown; his daughter, Julie Foreman; and his beloved dog, Jonny.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.jacobsengreenway. com.

The Phonograph-Herald | June 10, 2026