Stephen "Steve" O'Neil Walz, 56, of Bean Station, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with kidney cancer.

Steve was born in Tucson, Arizona, and spent his childhood in Arizona, Colorado, and Wisconsin. He graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1987.

After high school, Steve served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class, stationed in Seoul, South Korea. He participated in Operation Just Cause, contributing to the defense and stabilization of the Republic of Panama.

Steve went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business and was inducted into the International Honor Society of Business Administration, Lambda Sigma Chapter, at the University of Phoenix, in recognition of his high academic achievement.

He retired from the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada, after 31 years of service as Director of Facilities Management. He later relocated to Bean Station, Tennessee.

Steve was an avid traveler who visited all 50 states. He enjoyed discovering new places and relaxing with a pint of Guinness or a glass of Henry McKenna. He had a deep love for dogs and was a proud, devoted dog dad to his companions Ice, Henry, and Jasper.

He loved swimming in Lake Cherokee and hiking the beautiful Tennessee trails. He was a devoted Denver Broncos fan, a passionate reader, and cherished time spent with family and friends.

Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Lee, and his father, Ronald Walz.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Walz; his sister, Julie Peterson (Aron); his brother, Scott Walz (Corrine); his stepfather, James Lee; his niece, Jessica Dunaiski (Chad); his best friend, Brian Johnson; special friend, Gerri Bivens; many more friends and extended family across the nation; and his beloved dogs, Ice, Henry, and Jasper.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to the Kidney Cancer Association or a kidney cancer center of your choice, in Steve's memory