Steven D. Nelson, 64, New Bremen, died at 9:20 p.m. Oct. 10, 2014, of a sudden illness while visiting family in Douglas, Ariz.

He was born May 2, 1950, in Celina, to James D. Nelson and Roseann Meier Nelson Puthoff. His mother survives in Minster. On July 15, 1972, he married Patricia Whitehead Meyer, who survives in New Bremen.

Also surviving are three sons, Matthew (Mindy) Nelson, New Bremen, Craig (Kristen) Nelson, New Bremen, and Mitchell (Nina) Nelson, Douglas, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Maverick, Marina, Henry, James, Charlotte, Sophia and Noah Nelson; six siblings, Michael Nelson, Xenia, Dennis (Ann) Nelson, New Bremen, Thomas (Deb) Nelson, New Bremen, Linda (Daniel) Schmiesing, Fort Loramie, Deborah (William) Bornhorst, Minster, and Lisa (Joseph) Freytag, Minster; mother- and father-in-law, Shirley (Meyer) and David Bryenton, New Knoxville; a sister-in-law, Penny (Collin) Cox, New Knoxville, two brothers-in-law, Patrick "Buz" (Rachel) Meyer, Prospect, Ky., and Preston (Carol) Meyer, New Knoxville; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Deceased is his stepfather, Leander F. Puthoff.

He was an active member of the New Knoxville United Methodist Church. He was a 1968 graduate of Minster High School. In 1967, he started working at the Wooden Shoe Inn Restaurant, Minster, as a bus boy and made it his lifelong career, working his way to chef/kitchen manager. He semi-retired in 2012 but continued working part-time until his death.

He liked to travel with family and friends. He enjoyed being outside and doing yard work. His favorite football team was the Cincinnati Bengals. He enjoyed playing pool, euchre and pinochle and fishing. Being able to spend time with family made him very happy and especially playing with his grandchildren.

Services are 11 a.m. Monday at New Knoxville United Methodist Church, the Rev. Dennis Gaertner officiating. Private family burial will be at a later date.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Douglas, Ariz., Fire and Rescue Department, New Knoxville United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be sent to www.gilberghartwigfh.com.