Stephen “Deuce” Foster Smith II, age 51, passed away Dec. 28, 2025, at his home at Quality Living Inc. (QLI) in Omaha, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, humor and love.
Deuce was born July 13, 1974, in Seward, to Susan Louise (Sahn) and Stephen Foster Smith. He was the youngest of their two children. Born and raised in Seward, Deuce was known for his keen sense of humor, remarkable intellect, and a heart full of generosity.
He participated enthusiastically in school life at Seward High School, lettering in football, track, cross country, golf, and band. In addition to excelling academically, Deuce was selected for the Nebraska All-State Band and received a Certificate of Merit for his participation in the Nebraska High School Mock Trial Project. He worked hard from a young age, earning the money to purchase his prized 1982 Camaro through summer work detasseling corn.
After high school, Deuce joined his sister, Mary, at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Kansas, attending on both golf and band scholarships. He pursued pre-law studies and hoped to one day attend law school.
On Aug. 26, 1993, during his first week of college, Deuce’s life changed forever when he was the victim of an unprovoked assault by two Salina residents. The assault caused a severe traumatic brain injury that left him permanently disabled, confining him to a wheelchair and permanently limiting his ability to speak and move for the rest of his life.
Yet Deuce never lost his spirit. Through decades of challenges, he continued to communicate with the world around him, maintaining his spark, wit, and unique presence in the lives of those who loved him. Deuce never once complained about the situation he found himself in — not being able to speak or move without assistance. Not once.
For more than 26 years, Deuce lived at Quality Living Inc. (QLI) in Omaha, where he found not only a home, but a community that celebrated him. There, he built long-standing friendships and was cherished for who he was — not who others expected him to be. His life was rich with meaning because of the people he touched, the laughter he shared, and the profound lessons he taught about perseverance and joy in the face of adversity.
Deuce’s life was defined not by limitations, but by the strength he demonstrated every day. His approach to life earned him the Wayne Tanderup Award for Courage from the Seward Rotary Club. He also became a repeated top fundraiser for the Nebraska Brain Injury Association and was honored with the organization’s Advocate of the Year award in 2013.
Deuce’s legacy is one of toughness, generosity, and love, and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; and his chosen brother, Cory D. Ruzicka. He is survived by his sister, Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Coons, and her husband, Jeff, of Smyrna, Georgia; aunt Gwen Madison of Omaha; the entire Smith family; and many close friends.
Visitation is Friday, Feb. 20, from 1 – 8:30 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home, with family receiving friends from 6:30 – 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Seward United Methodist Church with inurnment at the Greenwood Cemetery.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
