Stephen Joseph Nelson

Stephen Joseph Nelson passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born June 21, 1947, in Kalamazoo, MI son of the late Leo J. and Carmen (Arnold) Nelson.

Steve graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1965 and attended Western Michigan University. After working at the Sutherland paper mill, he was hired by USPS in September of 1970. He was a 3rd generation letter carrier, following his father Leo and grandfather James. He was working in his 52nd year as a city carrier at the Westwood post office. He became a fixture downtown Kalamazoo during the five decades of service.

In 1973, Steve partnered with lifelong friend (since kindergarten), Keith Gunnett to form Nelson-Gunnett Race Cars. Steve's older brother Jerry had a drag car, and younger brother Mike was also a car enthusiast. Leo Nelson, Steve's father, brought Steve, Mike and Keith to Martin US 131 Dragway's 1st event in 1962, and all three were immediately hooked.

During the 60's, all three raced various new and old cars of their own, Mike even revived brother Jerry's 1936 Ford coupe for a brief time. In 1968 Keith bought a new Plymouth Roadrunner and started racing it at Martin US 131. In 1970 it was painted a Candy Green lace paint job and named "Banzai". In 1973 Steve and Keith formed the partnership and raced the car for the next 3 years.

In 1976, the duo transformed the car into a full-blown N.H.R.A stock class race and show car. During the 25 years of racing as a team, they raced weekly, as many as 3 times a week at any of the seven different drag strips in Michigan and Indiana (Stanton, Milan and Indianapolis being their favorites). By the end of the 70's the car was recognized by Chrysler Representatives and the National Hot Rod Association as the quickest Stock Class 383 full sized car, out of literally millions of them built. In the 90's they were part of the Great Lakes Stock Super Stock Associations (G.L.S.S.A), which traveled to various drag strips as a "Booked In Show".

In 1978 the team started to pursue International Show Car Association's (I.S.C.A.) Auto shows in the off season. They toured Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. The team captured 1st place in the Competition Stock class at every show entered in '78,'79 and '80. As of 1980, "Banzai" was recognized as one of the top 10 cars in the Great Lakes Division (5 states), and was awarded one of the top 50 cars in North America and given a spot in the annual finale in Las Vegas. In 1980 Steve and Keith retired from auto shows, and in 1998 from active racing, but still remained friends.

In his personal life he was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and played for the Miller Road and Court Station Post Office softball teams. He was a pitcher and first baseman. He liked to walk his dogs Abby, Phoebe and Owen; and was famous in the kitchen for his garlic burgers and spaghetti.

Steve was well known for keeping to himself and wasn't big on small talk, but to those close to him, they saw a caring individual who checked in on relatives and helped with their house and yard work. He went to basketball, football, and softball games to support his kids, as well as the local high school. He was always available to help with car repairs or anything else that would come up.

Steve's favorite place was LaRue's Family Restaurant in Oshtemo. Every Sunday he and his wife Debi could be found enjoying breakfast and kidding around with the co-owners Dave LaRue and Justin Powell, and their awesome staff: Taylor, Leah, Becca, Missy, Lou, Kevin, Shar, Anna, Lisa, Brinn, Emily, Lauri, Beth, Gwen and many more. "It's like eating with family."

On December 31, 1988, Stephen became a devoted husband to the former Deborah Wrona who survives. Also surviving are his children, Ryan Reynolds (Haley, Hannah, Alison and Mallory Reynolds), Allan (Kristina) Reynolds (Isla, Grant and Jude Reynolds), Richard (Amy) Reynolds (Jack and Jane Reynolds), and Tiffany (Nick) Gray (Magnolia and Baby Boy Gray); brothers, Jerry (Sara) Nelson (Pat, Kathy, Tim and Susan Nelson) and Michael (Sue) Nelson (Nate and Anastasia Nelson); sister-in-law, Rebecca A. Wrona; Aunts, Carol (Jerry) Malmud; Bernice (Wrona) Mikulich; Uncle Edwin (Joyce) Wrona; and several cousins.

He was a man of few words, but to those who knew him, they loved him and will miss him dearly.

A brief memorial service will begin at 1pm on February 13th followed by a time of fellowship and celebration of life at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo MI 49009. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to SPCA of Southwest Michigan. To view Stephen's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com