Steven Ray Dykeman

Steve was born in Gregory, SD, on March 5, 1964, to Ray and Patricia Hammerbeck Dykeman. He spent his youth in Hartington, NE, and graduated as salutatorian from Hartington High School (’82). Steve lettered in football, basketball and track and participated in speech, National Honor Society and student council. He attended Mount Marty University (BS ’87) in Yankton, SD, earning a degree in accounting while serving as president of the student government association and co-captain of the varsity basketball team.

Steve received his first master’s degree in tax accounting from the University of Kansas School of Business (MS ’91) where he graduated with high honors; he earned his second from Columbia Business School (MBA ’95) where he was elected vice president of the graduate business council and made many lifelong friends.

Throughout almost twenty years as an investment banker, Steve worked for several prestigious firms including UBS, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns and Sagent Advisors. He spent the last decade working in business development for Liberty Energy in Kansas City and Earthport, a financial start-up acquired by Visa, in Miami. Steve was highly respected and well-liked by colleagues, peers and clients across the banking industry.

A true Jayhawk, Steve loved KU basketball and was in the stands for both of their last two NCAA Championships. A distinguished alumnus and benefactor, he served on the KU School of Business board, spoke to numerous finance classes and mentored several graduate students pursuing careers in investment banking.

Steve was dedicated to his fitness and was an avid runner, completing the grueling New York City Marathon in under four hours in 1994. He could be spotted in the gym almost every day, and readily shared his knowledge of health, wellness, the business world and ‘life in general’ with his beloved children. Most importantly, Steve was smart, funny, kind and generous to all he met personally and professionally.

Steve is survived by his wife of 32 years Lori Ernst Dykeman, children Andrew, Alexandra and Katherine, parents Ray and Patricia Dykeman, sister Pamela Tinsley (Todd), sister-in-law Michelle Ernst and in-laws Mike and Sue Ernst. He also opened his home and heart to the family’s ‘bonus daughter,’ Gequasha Collins, and will be dearly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, George and Evelyn Korzan Hammerbeck, and his paternal grandparents, Earl and Mabel Redies Dykeman.

Arrangements to honor and celebrate Steve are pending. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mount Marty University, 1105 West 8th Street, Yankton, SD 57078.