Stephen “Toivo” Nelson, age 57, of 1407 1st Avenue North, died Monday evening May 15, 2006, at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. 

Steve was born August 2, 1948, at the St. Francis Hospital, the son of Carl and Lempi (Hill) Nelson.  Steve was raised in Rock and attended and graduated from the Rock High School in May of 1966.  Following high school, Steve attended the Bay de Noc Community College, for a number of years, before participating in the apprenticeship program for the Pipe Fitters Union Local # 506.  He completed his apprenticeship and became a journeyman pipe fitter on November 9, 1973 and was a member of the local 506 for the past 33 years.  Earlier that year in January of 1973, Steve dedicated his life to Jehovah God and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  On November 3, 1990, Steve married the former Rene Smith and together the couple made their home in Bark River before eventually relocating to Escanaba where Steve resided for the remainder of his life.  Steve enjoyed cutting wood and feeding the deer.  In previous years, Steve enjoyed living in the Rock area where he would take many walks in the beautiful acreage of the surrounding area.   He was a member of the Escanaba Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Steve was very passionate about his personal ministry and is remembered by family and friends for his smile and his love for God and people.  Steve will be deeply missed by young and old alike.

In addition to his loving wife Rene, Steve is survived by:

1 Brother:  James (Patricia) Nelson of Menominee, MI

1 Sister:  Carol J. Nelson of Gladstone, MI

1 Uncle:  Ernest Nelson of Rock, MI

Mother in law:  Marcella Smith of Minnesota

Sisters and Brothers in law:  Trudi (Lonnie) Parpovich of Hibbing, MN; Jaki Schaefer of Virginia, MN; Carla (Howard) Leikas of Virginia, MN; Marinika Smith of Virginia, MN

Also surviving are nieces, nephews, 1 great niece, 2 great nephews, cousins, loving friends and Steve’s loving pet and constant companion, Goldie.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Carl on December24, 2000 and his mother Lempi on January 3, 2006. 

Family will receive friends on Sunday from 3:00PM to 4:00PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 3110 Lakeshore Drive Escanaba, (Located next to the Delta County Airport).  Memorial services celebrating the life of Stephen Nelson will follow visitation, at 4:00PM, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  The minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses officiating will be Mr. John Bredlau.  Luncheon will follow at the Local 506 Plumbers and Pipe fitters located at 2601 North 30th Street, Escanaba.  The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Nelson family with arrangements.