Nicholas Ryan Stealey

Nicholas Ryan Stealey, 34, of Nashville, Tenn., left us on Oct. 3, 2023, surrounded by his family, after a two-year battle with metastatic melanoma. He was a warrior, never complaining and always ready with an encouraging word for others. Nick was born on Jan. 21, 1989, the son of Doug and Jackie Stealey, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Nick is survived by his loving parents; his devoted sister, Megan; numerous cousins, uncles and aunts; and so many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Merle and Veronica Minor, and Leo and Jane Stealey; uncles, Rick Minor and Steve Kent; aunt, Laree Minor; and cousin, Austin Kness. Nick graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and from Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in exercise science and fitness. After graduation, Nick moved to Chicago to work at North Shore Sports and Wellness as an athletic trainer. He also decided to work nights as security for Old Crow Smokehouse near Wrigleyville. After three years, he decided "no more cold winters" and moved to Nashville, first working for Wildhorse Saloon as security. There, he made life-long friends. Nick most recently worked as catering and events manager at the Thompson Hotel until he was no longer able to do so. He was proud of his job and loved his coworkers. Nick was a caring person, always thinking of his family and friends. He had a dry wit that kept you laughing. He had an enormous love for soccer, playing in high school, CRSA club, college and various clubs afterward. He had a deep knowledge of the game, especially the technical aspect that he would share with anyone who wanted to learn. He enjoyed attending Nashville SC games. The Stealey Family would like to thank Nick's oncologist, Dr. Douglas Johnson and the many other doctors, nurses, and medical staff of Vanderbilt University Medical Center who took exceptional care of Nick. Nick volunteered, along with his mother's work family, Benchmark, Inc., with the Eastern Iowa Special Olympics Basketball Tournaments throughout his childhood. He kept score and served as referee. Nick enjoyed interacting with and encouraging the basketball players. In Nashville, a Celebration of Life service will be held at the L.A. Jackson Rooftop in The Thompson Hotel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Cedar Rapids, a memorial visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Nick's name to the Eastern Iowa Special Olympics. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.