Steven Wickliff grew up in an impoverished home in Fremont, Nebraska.
But he worked his way through college at the University of Kansas, where he also earned a law degree in 1966, according to a Lawrence, Ka. Daily Journal-World article. For a time he lived a charmed life.
He married Mimi Frink, who was Miss Kansas in 1966, the daughter of Dr. Russell Frink.
Mimi Wickliff majored in theater and psychology at the University of Kansas and became an actress and model, according to a Lawrence Journal-World article.
She ran a dance school after graduating from KU. The couple had two children.
“Steve was a very likable, charismatic fellow,” said Dr. Mike Iseman of Denver, who grew up with Wickliff in Nebraska. “An excellent student, a fine athlete and a great sense of humor.”
He made millions developing skyscrappers, malls and shopping centers in the Denver metro area when he was partners with Bill Walters, according to several local news articles.
In 1979, the Aurora City Council approved issuance of $9.5 million in industrial revenue bonds in support of a 497-room hotel and convention center near an office complex near Interstate-225 and Parker Road.
Wickliff and Walters were partners in the deal. It would become the Ramada Renaissance Hotel.
The partners developed 16 shopping centers and 10 office buildings in the metro area during the 1980s.
But in 1985, Wickliff and his wife divorced.
Wickliff would later tell a reporter that he was busy working long hours to put together real estate deals.
