Gazette sports editor Steve Kodad dies at 60

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Steve Kodad

KEARNEY, Neb. -- Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas athletes lost one of their greatest fans with the death of Gazette Sports Editor Steve Kodad.

Kodad, 60, died Monday night in Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney following a stroke.

Jeff Gross, McCook High School principal and football coach, had lunch with Kodad every Wednesday to discuss all things sports-related, particularly their beloved Bison.

"Steve's passing is a devastating loss for our community," Gross said. "Steve has been a very dedicated individual in the McCook area sports scene for many years.

"It was quite obvious when I got to know him that he was more than a sports reporter ... he truly cared about the kids and the coaches he crossed paths with on a daily basis. Steve has been an integral part of our Bison family," Gross said. "We lost a good guy Monday."

"Steve did an outstanding job as sports editor for the Gazette," said Shary Skiles, publisher. "He set high standards for his pages and it showed through the stories and photographs he published on a daily basis.

"He loved sports, he loved prep and college athletics, and that passion showed through in his work. We were lucky to have him on staff."

Services are pending and are expected to be in Kodad's hometown of Schuyler.

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I am so very sad to learn about the passing of Steve. I am sad for Steve's family and friends and I am sad for the community where he lived and worked. I will miss his annual summertime visit to Evanston, WY where we would catch up on happenings in our lives and reminisce about past times when he worked in Evanston. Steve was a dedicated professional who truly enjoyed writing about community sports. His stories were passionate and personal. He empowered youth through the many stories he wrote about their sporting and personal successes. He is a man I respect and admire. Although I will forever mourn his passing, I will find solace in our friendship and shared experiences. I wish the best for Steve's family. Paul Knopf, Evanston, WY

-- Posted by Paul Knopf on Wed, Jun 29, 2016, at 2:58 AM

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