Steven John Nelson

Steve was born in Duluth on December 29, 1950 to William and Marion (Evanson) Nelson. Steve attended Duluth schools and through the teachings of Mr. Clarence Schultz developed a life-long love of music, and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1970.

Steve was the drummer and vocalist for various groups including Shaker, and most notably The Original Rockin’ Hotrods with Lee David Olson, Jerry Mattson, Bunny Waterhouse, Tom Hillman and Jeff Peabody (Mr. Peabs). Their band was a popular local and regional band and opened for national acts performing in Duluth including the Everly Brothers, Neil Sedaka,Tommy James and the Shondells, Chubby Checker, Wolfman Jack and more. Steve was an avid bow hunter and fisherman like no other, and shared all of his musical and outdoor talents with his children. Steve was also a member of the VFW Post 137 Auxiliary.

Steve is survived by his wife Marilyn, children Eric (Belle) Nelson, Kirsten (Casey) Komarek, both of Two Harbors, Senior Airman Katie (Jon) Vagle stationed with the U.S. Air Force in Okinowa, Japan; Richard (Chris) Voltzke, Jr. of Cloquet; Ryan (Shannon Zentgraf) of Solway Township, Christian (Victoria) Voltzke of Orlando, Florida, and Nick (Tabitha) Voltzke of Solway Township. Steve is also survived by grandchildren Elijah, Eden and Ezra Nelson, Gracie, Cole, Kinsey, and Hallie Komarek; Mariah and granddaughter to be Vagle; Kyle (Tonya) Voltzke, Colton Voltzke, Derek Reimer, Dan Reimer; Lucas and Emma Voltzke; Aiden and Aaron Voltzke; Katrina, Andrew; and great grandchildren Oliver Voltzke and Talon Zentgraf. Siblings

Rick (Rene) Nelson, Dan (Patti) Nelson of Duluth and Julie (Steve) Adkins of Birchwood, Wisconsin and many nieces and nephews Others include Debbie (Terry) Wick , mother of his children; mother- in-law Lorraine Doherty, brothers-in-law Tim (Lori) Doherty, Kevin (Betty) Doherty, Pat (Stacy Harter) Doherty; close friends Mark (Jan) Snyder and Lee David (Debbie) Olson.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Jim Doherty, and father-in- law William Doherty.

A very special thanks is extended to the St. Luke’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit and the very amazing nurses that have taken great care of him. Very special thanks to Dr. John Van Etta who cared for Steve like a brother, Dr. Mark Plachta, Dr. Joseph Martinelli, Dr. Wayne Elmer, Dr. JeRay Johnson, Dr. Brian Aebly, Dr. Robert Sjoberg, Dr. Cynthia Weaver, Dr. Stacy Coffin, Patty Minogue R.N., ER Case Manager, and the many nurses who have cared for Steve, all with St. Luke’s Hospital and Clinics.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at Elim Lutheran Church, 6101 Cody Street, Duluth. The visitation will continue from 2:00 p.m. until the 3:00 p.m. Service Thursday, April 21, 2016.

Please leave a memory of Steve or words of support for the family at www.bellbrothersfuneralhome.com.