Steven William Nelson, 63, of Elkton passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 surrounded by his family. Steve was born September 9, 1958 in Pipestone, MN to William and Bernice (Froning) Nelson and was the fourth of 6 children. Steve grew up in Elkton and attended Elkton High School and graduated in 1977. He attended South Dakota State University for two years, majoring in Architectural Drafting. Steve farmed with his dad for many years before he and Karen started a children's furniture business. They spent the next 20 years traveling the country doing craft shows. In 2010, Steven became an independent contractor for Lowe's in Brookings. Installing kitchen cabinets, countertops, doors, and windows.

Steve met Karen in the summer of 1983 and they were married on December 30, 1983. They had 7 children and lived on a farm west of Elkton. Steve loved the Lord deeply. Both him and Karen raised their children to love the Lord and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. As a husband, he was dedicated to loving and supporting Karen and all of her creative ideas and ventures for the farm. Together, they loved to spend time renovating buildings on the farm and visiting their children and grandchildren. Steve enjoyed road trips across the Midwest, driving at least 10 mph under the speed limit to ensure he could take in all the corn and bean fields. He loved his stops along the way to sample small town ice cream shops and diners.

As a father, Steve exemplified what unconditional love really is. He was selfless, generous with his time and resources, patient, slow to anger, soft spoken and full of wisdom. Through his actions, he taught his children to value a life of putting others before oneself. He was a pillar of quiet strength in the Nelson family. Nothing brought him more joy than when he was with Karen, their children and grandchildren.

Rarely would you find Steve sitting still. When he was, it was for a quick nap on the living room floor in which he would get right back up to take care of the next project on the farm or to help one of his kids with a house remodel. There was nothing he could not fix or build. Steve thrived on challenges and new ideas. Whatever his hands found to do, he did so with excellence.

Steve is celebrated by his beloved wife, Karen of 38 years; 7 children, Kyle (Sarah), Brookings; Kole (Jenny), North Carolina; Kassidy (Abby), Aberdeen; Dan, Brookings; Bridgette (Philip) Heisterkamp, Iowa; Brooke (Brookings); and Zeb (Brookings); 10 grandchildren (Melanie, Michael, Samantha, Ian, Sawyer, Ezra, Elinor, Jack, Josephine and Baby Girl Nelson); 1 brother, Kevin (Lori) Nelson, 4 sisters, Karen (Bill) Goon, Mary Jo (Jim) Nielsen, Lori (Tom) Eggers and Cathy (Craig) Johnson. Steven is preceded into eternity by his parents.

A Tribute Celebration will be 3:00 pm Friday, November 26, 2021 at the family farm (21769 485 ^th Ave., Elkton, SD) with burial  to follow on the farm. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 pm  Friday at the farm. www.skrochfc.com

There has been a "Steven Nelson Benefit Account" opened at BankStar Financial to help the family with funeral expenses, etc. The account is under Karen Nelson with the title – Steven Nelson Benefit Account.

Deposits can be made in any of the locations in Elkton, Volga, or Brookings.

They can also be mailed to:

BankStar Financial

Attn: Amanda Lauer

PO Box 146

Brookings, SD 57006