Steve Naber

Steven Naber, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in Holland on June 27, 2024. He was a Christmas baby, born December 25, 1949, in Zeeland, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Marian Naber and his sister Peggy Mitchell.

Steve met the love of his life, Barbara Ann, at Central Michigan University where they were both training to be teachers. He graduated from CMU in 1972 and immediately enlisted in the Air National Guard. He did basic training in San Antonio, Texas and then was sent to Biloxi, Mississippi for Tech School. He remained in the Guard for 6 more years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergent.

Barb and Steve married in 1974 and moved to the north side of Holland, where they resided for the remainder of their lives, working, raising their family and making memories together. Barb continued to teach, but Steve went in another direction, figuring they both didn’t need to be home for 3 months during the summer. He went to Insurance School and began his new career as a Travelers Insurance agent in 1975. In 1990 he co-founded The Lighthouse Insurance Agency, beginning with one small office in Holland and eventually building it to 25 locations and employing more than 250 people.

When children and grandchildren came along, the family focus turned first to boating, skiing and fishing and then to sports. Steve devoted all of his weekends and many weeknights to his kids’ and grandkids’ soccer, football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, gymnastics and track events. He loved watching them all and was always their most faithful fan. He was the strong, but silent type; a good friend, a great parent, a wonderful “Pa” and “Paw Paw” and always the calming voice in the chaos. He always went above and beyond for his family, his friends and his clients.

Steve and Barb traveled extensively throughout their time together, visiting many countries in Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, and the Caribbean. Their last trip, completed one month before Steve’s passing, was a Danube River Cruise to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barb; son, Jeff Naber (Peggy); daughter, Kelli Linneman (Nathan); grandchildren, Nicholas and Olivia Naber, Nolan and Payton Linneman; sister, Jane Naber and brother Mark (Sue) Naber, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the emergency personnel who responded promptly to our call for help and the empathy and many kindnesses they expressed to us.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, July 2nd from 5-8pm at Dykstra Funeral Home - Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Ave. Holland. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, July 3 at 11:00am at Fellowship Reformed Church, 2165 W Lakewood Blvd, Holland. A private family burial will take place at Lakewood Cemetery. For those who are unable to attend the service in person, a livestream will be available HERE

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to: Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding, 3777 Rector Ave. Rockford, MI or Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, 650 Maryville University Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141.