Stephen Erdick Nelson

Stephen Erdick Nelson, age 80, of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away working at the computer after a productive zoom call, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. We recently celebrated his 80th birthday party which was a delightful event spent cruising on Lake Michigan surrounded by Bonnie, his kids and grandchildren.

Born on May, 19, 1946 in Chicago, IL to Erdick and Clarice Nelson, Stephen grew up in Evanston, IL but lived in many different locations when he was young. He graduated from Evanston High School in 1963 and from Benedictine University in 2000 at 54 years old with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Economics.

Steve and Bonnie were best friends for 54 years sharing many adventures. He was a devoted and loving father who cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren. If you have walked past the house in the past 40 years you have very likely had a conversation, or at a minimum shared a friendly wave. Many neighbors became friends and helped to create a truly great place to live.

He was known for his generous heart, steadfast work ethic and passion for giving back. After retiring in 2020, he obtained a commercial drivers license to drive a school bus for First Student for 3 years to help with the bus driver shortage.  He was actively involved with Bonnie in providing and serving meals at YMEN in Chicago, helping with refugees through “Welcome to America”, he served as a Deacon, volunteered at the walk in Ministry, tutored kids through the outreach community center and spent many years helping with the music programs at Hadley Jr. High and Glenbard West.

He had a successful career in computer technology starting at Kemper insurance company, then Vice President at the Options Clearing Corporation and later at Northwestern Medicine where he retired as a Manager for the Organ Transplant Center.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bonnie; Sister Claris; children Deborah West (Bobby), Geoffrey Nelson (Sara), Thomas Nelson (Jennifer), Kimberly Jimenez (Chano) and Travis Nelson; along with his 7 cherished grandchildren Robert, Esther, Benjamin, Joseph, Maxwell, Gabriella and Griffin.

Visitation 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 1st Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, 550 N. Main Street with Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to YMEN. (https://ymenchicago.networkforgood.com/projects/102408-main-giving-page)

For more information on the arrangements, please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.

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