Steven Nelson

Steven H. Nelson passed away April 4, 2017 in his home after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 65 years old.Steve was born on January 24, 1952 in Denver, Colorado to Richard and Edna Grace (Shideler) Nelson. He was the oldest of seven children. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1970. He went on to complete his bachelor degree at CU Boulder followed by two master's degrees, one from Colorado Christian College in 1995 and the other from Regis University in 1998.Steve began his career working with Snavely Forest Products where he was a lumber commodities trader for 20 years. This job allowed him to travel the world. His most memorable trips were to South America, Alaska, New Zealand and China. After leaving Snavely, he became the business administrator and Director of Social Ministry for First Lutheran Church in Longmont and later, a partner at Turning Leaf Painting before retiring in 2014. Once retired Steve enjoyed spending quality time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Ashlei.Steve was a voracious reader and life-long learner. He enjoyed studying history, discussing religion and debating politics. He had a passion for living a healthy lifestyle which included working out almost daily, healthy eating and yoga. He loved being outside in his yard and garden along with cooking, baking, traveling, painting, and in his earlier years, writing p try. In 1979, he began building his cabin from the ground up. It was notably his favorite hobby. In addition to his hobbies, he volunteered with various organizations, belonged to the Longmont Rotary, served on numerous boards including Boulder County Hospice, Longmont YMCA, and Habitat for Humanity. He was part of the organizing committee that started the St. Vrain Valley Parenting Center. Steve was named the 2000 Fraternalist of the Year through the Lutheran Brotherhood. In 2001, he was recognized as Longmont Community Council's Man of the Year for his work in the community. At the time of his death, he was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he was a dedicated member of the men's group.On September 1, 1996, he married Beatriz (Bea) Ramos in a small intimate ceremony at First Lutheran Church. Steve's family brought him great pride and joy.Steve was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Bea Ramos, daughters Hilary King (Brad) and Julia Ramos, son Joseph Ramos, granddaughter Ashlei, surrogate parents Dr. & Mrs. Pablo Ramos, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. He also leaves an extensive extended family in Mexico who loved him dearly.A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Longmont Humane Society, the OUR Center or Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.