Steven Charles Nelson

On 9/14/2024, the world is a lot dimmer with the passing of Steven Charles Nelson, born 9/16/1968 in Cleveland, Ohio and most recently a resident of Dexter, Michigan. He truly lit up the lives of those around him with his ready smile, warmth, and unsurpassed sense of humor. He always wanted to know how you were and had a gift for making people feel good – noticed, appreciated, and special.

Steve fought valiantly against stage 4 kidney cancer that had spread aggressively into his bones causing him extreme pain.

Steve loved his family, friends and co-workers. His heart belonged to his kids for sure. Nothing brought him more joy than spending “real” time with them – doing all things baseball for Derrick as a coach or spectator, cheering Emily on at skating competitions and ice shows, or simply making leaf piles in the yard for the kids to jump into over and over again. He prioritized them every day. He loved being outside, playing golf, watching baseball, woodworking, classic cars and HGTV. He loved Christmas and spoiling his family with special family gifts each year too. No matter what, he always loved patiently and selflessly. He is an example for us all.

After graduating from EMU in 1992, Steve started working for Coca-Cola in 1993 and progressed into sales management roles for the next 31 years. Extremely dedicated to his work, he consistently delivered stellar results while mentoring his sales team with understanding, empathy and kindness.

Steve married Heidi (Harrison), the love of his life and best friend in 1998. Shortly after that, Emily was born in 2000 and Derrick was born in 2003. They moved to Dexter from Ann Arbor in 2001 and fell in love with the community. They are so blessed to have many incredible friends. In addition to his immediate family, as well as new son-in-law, Adam Brink, Steve is survived by his two sisters and their families, Lisa and Don Bradley (daughters: Lily and Tess), and Vicki and Dennis Haan. There are many additional cousins, sister/brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews, in addition to his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Emmy and Tom Harrison that will miss Steve so very much. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bettilou Nelson, and his father, Charles Richard Nelson.

We are all better and blessed for knowing Steve. We know he is in heaven (telling jokes) with Jesus and is free of pain. Alleluia.

In lieu of flowers, we would like to suggest donations be made to the American Cancer Society. https://donate.cancer.org

We will celebrate Steve’s life Monday September 16th and Tuesday September 17th at Huron River Methodist Church (7643 Huron River Drive, Dexter, Mi 48130) and a private Family Burial will occur at Forest Lawn.