Stephen Robert Dickerson

Steve embarked on a path of service when he joined the United States Navy in 1972, dedicating himself to the nation he loved. He served with distinction until 1989, proudly safeguarding the freedoms we hold dear. His time in the Navy instilled in him values of duty, discipline, and respect which would guide him throughout his life. We proudly honor Steve’s wishes to be laid to rest as a veteran in a national cemetery.

Steve worked in various fields. He began his professional career at Caterpillar Tractor Company in dealer data processing. He made lifelong friends that became family while at Caterpillar. He continued his career at the family Printing Company, Rey Nelson Printing, as CFO. Steve moved on to work for one of Rey Nelson Printings valued customers at Wilson Imaging & Publishing Company until his passing.

In May of 1977, Steve married the love of his life, Teri Nelson. Their union was a testament to the enduring power of love and partnership. In 1978 they welcomed their first child, Matthew Stephen Dickerson, and in 1981 welcomed their daughter, Michelle Lynn Dickerson.

In November of 1989, Steve and Teri made the monumental decision to move to Southern California, where they would build a new life working at the family printing company, Rey Nelson Printing. Steve worked for the family business, contributing his talents and passion from 1990 to 2016.

While Steve was a father to two loving children, he also became the father to his Icelandic daughter, who was one of the Dickerson family’s exchange students. He enjoyed the love of six American grandchildren, three Icelandic grandchildren and even had one Icelandic great grandchild. Steve’s capacity for love knew no bounds. He opened his heart and home to countless exchange students, family friends’ children, and their children, treating them as his own and providing them with a safe and loving environment. Many more children and grandchildren, whether related by blood or simply by the bond of love, considered him a father figure and papa. Steve’s love was unconditional, and his legacy of compassion and generosity will be cherished for generations to come.

Steve is survived by his loving wife, Teri Dickerson, his children Matthew Dickerson and spouse Brooke Dickerson, Michelle Elrod and spouse Brian Elrod, his grandchildren, Ethan, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Taylor, Logan, and Bronson.

He is also survived by his Icelandic daughter, Anna Pálmadóttir and spouse Helgi Rúnar Pálsson, and their growing family, Palmi, Helga, Arnór, ĺris (spouse) and their child Emma.

In addition, Steve is survived by his siblings Rose Shults, Daniel Dickerson (Vickie), James Dickerson (Melody), Janie Smith (Pete), Patrick Dickerson (Nancy), Patty Kelly (Tim); his in-laws, Jamie Baumann (Jim), Sandra Lynch (Tom), Eric Nelson (Heather); and countless nieces and nephews with whom he had a special bond.

Waiting to welcome Steve at the heavenly gates were his beloved parents, George & Pat Dickerson, in-laws, Reynold & Gloria Nelson; siblings, Dolores Sylkaitis (Bob), Genevieve Kahl (John), Leo Dickerson and nieces, Gina Pavichevich and Nicole Dickerson, nephew, David Burnstein, and great nephew, Conor Kelly.

A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on 10/18/23 at 9AM at Crestlawn Cemetery in Riverside, CA. Following the service, a short honors ceremony will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery at 11:15AM. Celebration of life reception to follow at the Elrod/Dickerson residence.

In our hearts, Steve lives on. His memory and legacy will endure through the stories we share and the love we continue to give. Rest in peace, dear Stevie boy, your selfless love will forever be our guiding light.