Stephen Earl Nelson's Obituary
Stephen (Steve) Earl Nelson, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, March 14, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loving family members.
Steve was born on October 8, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah, the eighth of eleven children born to Gordon Buchanan Nelson and Laura May Nelson. As a child, Steve grew up in the Olympus Cove area of Salt Lake City, where he spent countless hours exploring the hills behind the family home, often chasing lizards, snakes of all kinds (even rattlesnakes), and other crawling creatures that captured his curiosity.
Later, the family moved to the Pepperwood area of Sandy, Utah, where Steve spent his teenage years. He graduated from Alta High School in 1991. He also spent those high school summers in Hawaii picking pineapples for the Dole company. Steve later became an accomplished skier and worked as a ski patroller at Snowbird and Alta Ski Resorts for many years.
Steve built a successful career in the carpentry and building trades, even becoming a Master Carpenter, creating beautiful custom woodwork in family homes. His craftsmanship and dedication to his trade are evident in numerous homes throughout Utah and Idaho.
Steve was the father of a son, Dallin Gordon Nelson, from his first marriage. Dallin was later adopted by Steve’s brother, Ken Nelson, and sister-in-law, Cassie, and has grown into a fine young man—a testament to the love and support of Stephen, Ken, and Cassie.
In 2012, Steve married Chantelle and lovingly embraced her daughter, Mady, whom he helped raise and care for as his own. Chantelle faithfully remained by Steve’s side throughout his battle with cancer, offering constant love, support, and companionship.
Steve was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Buchanan Nelson, who passed away in 1996, and by his mother, Laura May Nelson, who passed away 20 days prior, on February 22, 2026.
He is survived by his wife Chantelle and her daughter Mady; his son Dallin Nelson, his mother-in-Law Mary Ripley, as well as his ten siblings and their families: Ladawn (Mark) Kastleman, Paul (Kathy) Nelson, Laurett (David) Arenz, Daniel (Patti) Nelson, Leahmay (Jody) Earl, Laria Nelson, Kenneth (Cassie) Nelson, Lalani (Brent) Nielson, Joseph (Liz) Nelson, and Lonna Nelson.
Steve will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his quiet strength, his love of family, his humor, and the many lives he touched through his work and friendships.
Though his time here ended too soon, Stephen’s legacy lives on in the homes he built, the family he loved, and the countless memories shared with those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
A private celebration of life will be held by close family and friends in Steve’s honor.
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