Steven Richard Nelson

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Steven Richard Nelson, who dedicated 10 years of service to his country in the US Navy. Steven departed this world on the 1st of January 2025.

A memorial service for Steve will be at St. Peter and Paul's Church in Mankato on Friday, January 24th at 11:00a.m. The service will be followed by a Celebration of Life at Mankato Mortuary from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Steven was born on October 18, 1983, in Mankato with his twin sister, Catherine. After graduating from Mankato East High School, Steven joined the United States Navy, and he served as a Nuclear Engineer. Steven was incredibly smart; he went on to achieve Bachelor's Degrees in Nuclear Engineering and Electrical Engineering.

Steven served on the USS Ronald Reagan during the rescue and disaster relief operations following the Fukushima meltdown, the Tohoku earthquake/tsunami, and so many other important missions. 

Steven married his best friend and wife Jessica Nelson twice; once in Saratoga Springs, NY and second time in Cottage Grove, MN where most wouldn't expect it, but Steven was also an incredible dancer. Steven's second-best friend was Mr. Freedom, his German shepherd that Jessica and Steven rescued and gave him the best life. Steven and Freedom did everything together. Steven and Jessica purchased a hobby farm in Red Wing and kept chickens and managed a prolific garden. He was an officer on the Wacouta Township board and volunteered with the Freemasons. Steven found joy and mediation in music, went to concerts every year with his third best friend Willy, and was an extremely talented guitar player. Steven made friends everywhere he went and kept friends for life. Steven loved hanging out with his nieces and nephews and taking them on tractor rides. Steven also loved cooking from BBQs to baking; his favorite was spending a Sunday cooking hundreds of crab rangoons so he could have them whenever he wanted. He was always a supportive and encouraging friend to everyone and will be missed by hundreds all around the world. He lived on the east coast, the west coast, and in the middle. He helped so many people throughout his life and was truly a walking angel.

Those who knew Steven will remember him for his winning smile, his kind heart, his patience, his advice, his easy-going nature, and his ability to never judge a soul. Steve had a rare gift for making others smile, laugh, and feel more light-hearted. The lives of so many are better because Steve was in them. His journey on this earth was one marked by kindness, compassion, and goodness. Although Steve's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of love and light in all that we do. 

Steven Nelson is survived by his wife Jessica Nelson, his parents Richard and Ann Nelson, his siblings Mike Nelson, Lisa Possis, Cat McCarthy, and Mary Bjork, and his in-laws Donna Nelson, Aaron Possis, Tom McCarthy, and Thor Bjork. Steven had 11 nieces and nephews who adored him: Ella, Maddie, Jackson, Beckett, Ben, Josephine, Amelia, Solvei, Isabelle, Quinn, and Finn.