Steven Nelson, 59

Greenbush – Steven Jerome Nelson, called “Steph” by his brothers and sister, was born April 26, 1965, in Moorhead and passed away suddenly on March 14, 2025, at his home in Greenbush. He suffered from complications of a botched hernia mesh surgery that completely destroyed his spine and nervous system. That condition was further complicated by a lung cancer diagnosis for which he was undergoing chemo therapy. Steve spent many years suffering from surgeries and was in constant pain, but through it all, he kept active and maintained an optimistic and upbeat atttitude.
Steve was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. He started kindergarten in Hereford, AZ; grade school in St. Hilaire and Washington, Franklin in Thief River Falls and then on to Lincoln High School. Even though he didn’t graduate with his class, he did obtain his GED, of which he was proud. Steve took an auto mechanics course at the TRF AVTI which helped him keep his “bargain” vehicles up and running.
Steve held many different jobs which included working for farmers, working at Arctic Cat, working construction with his brother Greg, and working at Northwest Concrete in Roseau with his brother Jeff, where he incurred the hernia that would ultimately destroy his body. He even traveled with the carnival one summer, traveling across many states.
Steve served in the National Guard and was honorably discharged.
Steve went elk hunting in Wyoming with his mom and Ward and got lost in the woods a whole day, but had the presence of mind to listen for sounds of traffic and walk toward it. Then he hitchhiked back to camp in Dubois, WY.
Steve’s love of animals gave him the pleasure of being a pet parent to many dogs and cats over the years. He was a wheeler-dealer, always looking for a bargain, often haunting flea markets and garage sales grabbing up oddities. Steve could be heard almost daily on the KTRF Trading Post with something to sell. His house and garage were like a museum, and everything had a place. He enjoyed showing off all the goofy things he had accumulated. Even as he suffered from pain and chemo, his house and garage were spotless and his fur babies were well cared for. His last big accomplishment was getting his fish house off of Lake of the Woods and put away on the weekend before he passed away.
Steve is survived by his son, Trevor Bromenschenkel (Danielle); grandchildren, Harper and Harley, and a baby boy on the way; mom, Marilyn (Ward “Pops”) Brink; brothers, Jeff (Connie) Nelson, Greg Nelson, Bryan (Jody) Nelson, Bruce (Sandy) Brink; sister, Debby (Kerry) Rhoan; uncle, Ron (Corine) Dargus; special friends, Tammy and Oleg; and the mother of his son, LouAnn Hoglo. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Sean, Tiffany, Scott, Jenny (Pete), Layne (Anna), Tice, Kyri (Shawn), Rex Nelson, Jessica (Mike), Brett (Lauren), Alyssa (Spencer), Shawna, Kassi Sparby and Mandy (Adam); cousin, Brittney (Adam) Lieberg.
Steve is preceded in death by grandparents, Herman and Opal Dargus; sister, Karla Sparby; cousin and best friend, Sean Dargus; and many friends and fur babies.
No services are planned at Steve’s request. His ashes will be laid to rest with his grandma and grandpa, Herman and Opal Dargus, at Greenwood Cemetery in Warren in a private family burial.
Cards and memorials may be sent to Steve’s family at Collins Funeral Home, P.O. Box 213, Greenbush, MN 56726.
The family wishes to thank Steve Collins of Collins Funeral Home for his compassion, knowledge and guidance through this sad and difficult journey.
Steven’s suffering is over. May he rest in peace. Thank you for being his friend.
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