Steven L. Nylund

Steven L. Nylund, age 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15 th, 2025 in Rogers, MN. He spent his final days at home, surrounded by his family.

Steve was born on January 5 th, 1952 to Donald R. and Shirley R. Nylund in Fergus Falls, MN. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1970, and graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1974. He also earned a Master's Degree in Economics and Financial Management from the University of Washington in 1986.

Steve served for 23 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, with tours of duty in Charlevoix, MI; New Orleans, LA; Port Angeles, WA; Seattle, WA; Cleveland, OH; Detroit, MI; and Washington, D.C. He served in numerous positions throughout his career, including aids to navigation and icebreaking operations, fisheries law enforcement and drug interdiction in the Pacific, search and rescue, chief of finance, deputy group commander, and finally, project officer to the financial systems management branch at USCG Headquarters.

Steve retired from the Coast Guard in May 1997 with the rank of Commander. His awards included the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal (two awards with Operational distinguishing device), the Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon, and several others.

Steve began his civilian career in 1997, continuing to work with the Coast Guard's financial systems through technology consulting roles with Computer Systems Corporation and Unisys. He and Mary moved back to MN in 1999 to be close to family. Steve continued to alternate between regular travel to D.C. and weeks working from home, years ahead of his time as a pioneer in remote working arrangements.

Steve retired from Unisys in 2008 to focus on time with his family, enthusiastically embracing his role as an active, loving, and playful grandpa to his five grandchildren. He also enjoyed several fishing trips to Alaska, an epic canoe trip to the Quetico with his daughters, many years of fall deer hunting, and lots of time at the family cabin.

Steve is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary; daughters Jennifer (Joe) Surla of Minneapolis, and Jaclyn (Brian) Miller of Plymouth, MN; grandchildren Adam, Juliana, and Katie Miller, and Carrie and Benjamin Surla; sister Julie Cadalbert Nylund of Otsego, MN; brother Jeff (Terri) Nylund of Otsego, MN; niece Rachel (Eric) Turkowski; and nephew Jacob Nylund. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Donovan Nylund.

Services will be held on November 3rd at Word of Peace Lutheran Church, Rogers, MN. Visitation at 9:30 AM, service at 10:30 am. Interment following service at Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Alumni Association (class of '74).