Stephen Paul Shipman

Hastings resident Stephen Paul Shipman, 41, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 7:24 a.m. He passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving wife, Ariannah, and their two daughters, Braelyn and Adaliegh, as he was ushered into eternity by the heavenly hosts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 27, at Lifehouse Church in Hastings, with Pastor Brett Mackey officiating. To pay tribute to Stephen’s cheerful spirit, his family kindly asks that those attending refrain from wearing black, if possible. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery in Hastings. Brian Young will deliver a eulogy, followed by military honors conducted by the Hastings Military Honor Guard. Along with Sergeant Stephen Shipman’s, Army “Battle Buddies,” performing the ceremonial folding of the flag in his honor. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 26, at Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers being sent, the family welcomes plants; that will be given to the immediate family members following the service or memorial donations sent directly to the family.

The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website. To view, visit Stephen’s obituary at www.lbvfh.com and click the play button near the bottom of the page.

Stephen was born on November 9, 1983, in Cozad, Nebraska, to Paul and Linda (Wells) Shipman. He graduated from Cozad High School in 2002 and later attended Central Community College in 2003.

Stephen proudly served in the United States Army from 2006 to 2014, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his country and fellow service members.

On May 31, 2014, he married the love of his life, Ariannah Denney. Together, they built a home rooted and grounded in faith, family, and service, raising his son D’Andre (19) and their two daughters, Braelyn (9) and Adaliegh (8).

Stephen was a gentle, humble man—always the first to apologize and quick to forgive. He deeply hungered and thirsted after the things of God, with a strong desire for truth and justice. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and experiencing visions and dreams, his faith grew in profound ways. For a season, he and Ariannah joyfully ministered to children at Lifehouse Church together.

He was a devoted husband and father, known for reading God’s word and praying over his wife and daughters every evening before bed. He loved being a Dad: from teaching D’Andre to shave, to baptizing both of his daughters, to enjoying countless daddy-daughter dates.

Stephen was an active member of Lifehouse Church, where his calm demeanor and wise spirit touched many lives. He served by running sound and media, and even became a physical trainer at Fithouse, where he shared his passion for fitness and wellness. He especially enjoyed jogging and challenged himself both physically and spiritually. He and his wife ran the Color Run in 2017, and they later participated in the Market to Market Relay in March 2020.

Professionally, Stephen worked as a CNC machinist and supervisor at Flowserve for over 20 years, where he was respected and admired for his hard work and dedication.

Outside of work, he found joy in fishing, grilling, Husker volleyball and football (GBR!). He enjoyed many family fun nights full of board games, and playing catch with his kids on summer evenings. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family.

Stephen also fulfilled a bucket list dream when he and Ariannah celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in Hawaii, making many beautiful memories during their eleven blissful, yet physically challenging years of marriage.

In 2016-2017, Stephen faced significant health challenges and was referred to a sinus specialist, where he was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. In an effort to relieve the pressure and discomfort he was experiencing, six polyps were removed during sinus surgery. Soon after, in 2018, Stephen experienced his first grand mal seizure. It was then that doctors discovered a potato sized malignant stage 2 astrocytoma brain tumor. Over the next seven years, his condition progressed to grade 4 glioblastoma. Countless prayers and holding tight to HOPE was Stephen’s banner and rampart. Despite the diagnosis, Stephen faced every battle with extraordinary courage. He endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, IV Avastin infusions, focal and grand mal seizures, and underwent four brain surgeries.

He sincerely lived one day at a time — a true HERO in every sense of the word.

Through it all, Stephen never gave up. He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)

SURVIVORS: Wife, Ariannah Shipman; children, D’Andre, Braelyn, and Adaliegh; father, Paul Shipman; mother, Linda (David) Ferreyra; sister, Nicole (Jon) Louden; stepbrother, Brandon (Reanna) Ferreyra; stepsister, Breanna Ferreyra; niece, Abigail Louden; nephew, Samuel Louden; grandparents, William & Zola Shipman; aunts and uncles, Connie (H.O.) Lytle, Cindy (Cliff) McWhortor, Karen Shipman, John (Carolynn) Wells, Cathy (Bill) Timmerman, and Bill (Lori) Wells; cousins, Ryan, Brandon, Jordan, Lauren, Nakita, Ashley, Amber, C.J., Holly, Shawn, Kasey, Eric, Stephanie, Caleb, Travis, and Breana; grandparents-in-law, Don & Wanda Denney; father-in-law, Jeff (Ellen) Denney; mother-in-law, Shelia Stoddard; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Denney; brother-in-law, Zachary (Kimberly) Denney; nephews, Devin and Justin Denney; niece, Kierstyn Denney; along with a host of loving friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John & Fern Wells and spouse’s grandparents, Delbert & Gertrude Stoddard.