Obituary for Steve Nelson | DuBore Funeral Home, Warren, MN
- Date Of Death: June 15, 2011
- State: Minnesota
Kenneth Stephen Nelson, 67, of Phoenix, AZ passed away on Wednesday, June 15th, 2011, in a Hospice of the Valley home in Phoenix, AZ with his family present.
Steve was born in Fosston, Minnesota, on August 24, 1943, the son of Kenneth and Harriet “Hap” (Espeseth) Nelson. He graduated from Warren High School, then graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Accounting.
On July 2, 1966 he married Barbara Hamnes of Stephen, MN. They made their home in Fort Collins, Colorado, where Steve was head accountant at Woodward Governor Company. In 1975 they moved to Warren, MN, and owned and operated the Ken Nelson Agency. In 2000 they moved to Phoenix, AZ, where Steve worked as an adjuster for the Scottsdale Ins. Co. until retirement in 2008 when he was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Steve took an active role in the Warren community. He received the Builder of Warren Award in 1994. He was an active member of the Marshall Co. Historical Society, Wetlands Pines and Prairie Audubon Sanctuary, Warren Riverside Golf Course, Tim Finseth Campaign Committee, Economic Development Committee, Warren Chamber of Commerce, Ducks Unlimited and Our Savior Lutheran Church. In 1989 he received the Wildlife Conservation Award for developing the only tree farm in Marshall Co., hence the name “tree man”.
Steve always had a love of nature and a passion for golf. He planted thousands of trees in the community of Warren and also at the Warren Riverside Golf Course which he helped to develop as one of the most beautiful in the area. His philosophy was “leave a place better than you found it.”
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his brother John, three sons: Mark (Meghan Ingalls) of Phoenix, AZ, Brian (Renee’ Longstreet) of Moore, SC, Nathan of Phoenix, AZ and two beautiful grandchildren, Faith Madison and Ty Kenneth of Moore, SC. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary.
SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Warren, MN.