Stephen G. Nielsen, a U.S. Army veteran, took his last and longest Harley ride Sunday, May 8, 2016, from Spring Wind Assisted Living. He was born Jan. 15, 1947, in Berkley, California, to Gerald and Frances (née Noren) Nielsen.
Steve disproved the third time is a charm theory and married and divorced three times.
He is preceded in death by his mother Fran. He is survived by his father Jerry; daughter Stephanie (Paul) Hunt, of Bethel, Minnesota; and son Tony (Yoko) Nielsen, of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Steve had more than 39 years of federal government service, first with the U.S. Army, then with the U.S. Post Office in Minnesota. He then switched careers to work with the U.S. Forest Service in Minnesota as a forester and moved to California before coming to Laramie in 1980 to work with the Medicine Bow National Forest for 25 years. He completed his career with the Forest Service as the NEPA coordinator in Laramie.
Steve enjoyed numerous outdoor activities, including camping, big bonfires, fishing, water skiing, hunting, golfing, snowmobiling, snow skiing, motorcycling, traveling, boating, going to concerts and playing softball. He also enjoyed photography, bowling, cribbage, poker, animals (he had a pet dog) and reading. Steve actively served on the city of Laramie Planning Commission and was a member of the Elks.
Memorial services will be announced later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Elks Lodge, cancer research or your favorite watering hole.
Steve and his 2003 Sturgis ball cap have been cremated by Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home, even though at times, he would have preferred to be buried upside down.
Go to www.montgomerystryker.com to send condolences or to sign the online gue
What a shock to know that such a strong, fit and active man is gone. Yes it's true, sadly third time wasn't a charm, but Steve and I did have some fabulous times together and I have many good memories to keep. My condolences to you all for this so sad and untimely loss. Rest in peace, Steve, Anne x
My condolences to Steve's family and friends. Steve was my co-worker and friend for the 12 years we worked together in the Forest Service office in Laramie. We were also fellow concerned citizens who worked to successfully change the structure of the Laramie city council. Steve was a very honest, loyal and righteous man. RIP Steve!
My sympathy to your family. You will be miss. Rest in peace Steve. Sincerely kate d harrop
Steve was such a good friend and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out for Steves family. Although Steve and I didn't stay in touch as much as I would have liked, he always sent my family a Christmas card every year. I feel fortunate to have been Steves friend and will always remember all the wild and crazy good times we all had together. R.I.P. buddy, Find yourself another "GO FAST" in the sky and tear it up!