Stephen C. Nelsen

Stephen C. Nelsen, age 79, died at home June 5, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born December 6, 1939, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Auralea (Tillman) and Clarence M. Nelsen. He graduated from UNL with a BA and later a Masters degree in Biological Sciences. He continued his studies at Rocky Mountain Biological Lab, Gothic, Colorado, and the University of Minnesota Itasca Field Station. At his core he was a teacher, working with students of all ages and interests. Steve was an Associate professor at John J. Pershing College, Beatrice, Nebraska. He taught in the public schools at Beatrice and Lincoln (Dawes Junior High School and Lincoln Southeast High School). While he retired in 2002, he continued to teach anatomy and physiology at various places in the community. He was a long-time teacher in the Summer Bright Lights Enrichment Program. Always a learner himself, he attended an intensive yoga certification program in Mexico, and returned to teach yoga throughout the community. He was always proud of the accomplishments of his students. Steve was inspired by working with administrators Darlene Rischling, Nancy Becker, Larry Eaton, Arli Tyser. Steve loved new experiences and adventures and always wanted to be surprised by what was around the corner. He was an avid cook who was inspired by recipes, but who always added his own twists with excellent results, usually. He collected numerous smaller antiques and collectibles, including unique clocks, art pottery, toys, and lightening rod balls. He shared his knowledge about his collections with interested groups, and enjoyed the challenge of vintage clock repair. Steve loved his numerous cats, past and present, and also sought out encounters with neighborhood possums, turkeys, foxes, and other wildlife. His adventures included extended visits to Maine, Mexico, Argentina and Europe. His family loved and was better for the spice and spontaneity he added to our lives. Above all, he appreciated and admired all forms of creativity. He was proud of being a five gallon blood donor. Steve faced his many health challenges with grace, willing to endure numerous cancer treatments when his multiple myeloma came out of remission and accepting without complaint his loss of independence. While some people were hesitant to talk about their Charles Bonnet Syndrome visions, Steve, on the other hand, embraced them. Special thanks to Lisa Hernandez, Amanda Bauer, Ngan Do, and everyone who went above and beyond in their care for him these past few years. Steve was a humble man who would be slightly embarrassed by this long-winded obituary, but to his family, he was larger than life. We will miss you! Preceded in death by parents. Survived by wife Marcella Sanchez-Nelsen; children Gail Diann Sherron (Michael), Lawrence, Kansas; Paul Andrew Nelsen, Vienna, Austria; Carmen Daniela Nelsen, Washington, D.C.; granddaughter Iris Jane Sherron; brother Randall T. Nelsen; nephew Bret (Sheren) Nelsen; niece Lindsay (Ryan) Salem; dearest friends Gayla Nelsen; John, Michelle, Karli and Erica Suarez; Son and Dinh Tran and family. Burial: 2:00 p.m. June 11, at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, Lincoln. Meet at Gate 2. Celebration of life following burial: 3:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. Memorials to Planned Parenthood of Nebraska and ACLU Nebraska. Online condolences may be left at lincolnfh.com