STEVEN NELSON

Steven J. Nelson, age 59, of Neenah, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2017 in the loving arms of his wife, Lori, following a brief courageous battle with cancer.  He was also surrounded in love at the time of his death by his adoring sisters, Chris and Danna.  Steve was one of the kindest, most compassionate and loyal people God created.  He always had a bright smile and laugh to share with all who met him.  He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.  He absolutely loved nature and all her gifts.  He used to say he always felt closest to God when he was out on the lake fishing just before sunrise.  Steve and his wife Lori especially loved spending time at their cabin in Florence, WI.  They spent many a day fishing on the lakes there, walking in the woods, and enjoying their evenings around the campfire.  Over the years they became friends with many of the wonderful people of Florence.  Steve also adored his many Springer Spaniels that he and his wife Lori raised throughout the years.

Steve is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 32 years, Lori (Jansen) Nelson; daughter Candice (Brent) Gaeta; grandson Jackson Gaeta; special step-mother Shirley (Jim) McQuillan; dearest siblings Chris (Joe) Mueller, Larry Nelson, Paul Nelson, Rick (special friend Patricia) Nelson, and Danna (Dan) Heid. 

He is further survived by his loving mother-in-law Rita Jansen; brothers-in-law Steve (Marlene) Jansen, John (special friend Jean) Jansen, Chris Jansen; sister-in-law, Lisa (Josh) Michalkiewicz; nieces Janell (Keith) Rooebach who was like a daughter to him, Carrie Mueller, Erica Nelson, Shandon Heid, and Morgan and Carly Michalkiewicz; nephews Jeffrey (Rhiannon) Nelson, Michael (Shannon) Nelson, Alex Nelson, Mike (Jodi) Mueller, Matt (Katie) Jansen; great-nieces and nephews Jaclyn, Kevin, Kyle, Ava, Sean, and Ryder Hunt; and his sweet Springer Spaniel Libby, who has only known him for one year but they loved each other deeply. 

Steve is also survived by his very special uncle Don and aunt Ruth Nelson whom he loved dearly and were like parents to him; as well as his very special and loving cousins Thomas Nelson, Angela Schneider, and Deb (Bill) Scheuler.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Ann and Edward Martin; paternal grandparents Roy and Leona Nelson; and parents Merle and Betty Nelson.

In keeping with Steve's wishes, there will be no funeral service.  In the future, the family and close friends will gather for a celebration of Steve's life.  If you would like, you could make a charitable donation in Steve's name to Fish for Kids, Florence County Volunteer Fire Dept., or any animal shelter/rescue organization, or just share a bright smile, a laugh, just like Steve always did for everyone. 

We will meet again one day in God's glorious heaven.  Until then I will carry on as best I can with all of your love close to my heart to help me through.

All of my Love, Always

Lori