Stephen Rabon "Steve" Nelson

Stephen Rabon "Steve" Nelson
Age 64 • Fifty Lakes, MN
Stephen Rabon "Steve" Nelson, age 64, of Fifty Lakes, Minnesota, formerly of Burnsville, Minnesota, passed away following a severe stroke at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis on July 11, 2025.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Helen, and siblings, John and Nancy.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Beth (Halvorson); children, Kate (Dan) Schneider and Sean (Meagan) Nelson; cherished grandchildren, Quinn, Clay, Magnus, and Aksel; as well as many other relatives and dear friends and his beloved dog, Zuzu.
A graduate of Burnsville High School class of '79. He was an accomplished trumpet player and formed many lasting friendships during his high school years. He and Beth met while both were playing in the school's jazz band.
From a young age, Steve developed a passion for cars, motorcycles, and aviation. He studied Business Aviation at Inver Hills Community College and earned his private pilot's license at 20 years old. One of his proudest achievements was building his own airplane in his garage that he also built...next to the house that he also built.
Steve's love for building and fixing things knew no bounds. He brought that talent to every corner of his life, from constructing several homes and restoring cars to working in the computer, construction, and aviation industries. He was always curious, always learning, and always had a project underway.
He passed along his love of hockey, golf, and a zest for entertaining to his children. He was an adventurer at heart - a scuba diver, skier, snowmobiler, and someone who always sought out new experiences. His favorite pastimes included attending airshows in Oshkosh, riding his motorcycle to Sturgis, flying RC airplanes with friends, and enjoyed lake life and travel with his family and the "Team Orange" crew.
Time with his grandchildren was his greatest joy. Whether they were tinkering in the garage, playing cards, taking boat rides, mini golfing, and learning to fly RC airplanes. Often referred to as the world's oldest teenager, he filled every moment with fun, wonder, and laughter. With his "Let's go" attitude, he was the instigator of many spontaneous adventures.
Steve was a big presence with an even bigger personality. A natural storyteller and generous spirit, he never hesitated to lend a hand. He lived with purpose, heart, humor and a can-do attitude. He lived life on his terms, often saying, "I'm a biker, I do what I want."
An open house Celebration of Life for Steve will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Staring Lake Park Building in the Lake View Room and Pavilion, 14800 Pioneer Trail in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.