Iron Mountain – Stephen “Steve” J. Nepper, 72, of Iron Mountain, Mich., passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at UP Health Systems-Marquette, Marquette, Mich.

Steve was born on October 4, 1951, in Iron Mountain, Mich., to the late John and Genevieve (Trudell) Nepper.

He grew up in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School, class of 1969. He married Linnea Merila on May 10, 1974, and they celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary this year.

He was very proud of his twenty years of service in the Army National Guard. He enjoyed helping with the Iron Mountain Athletic Booster Club. His hobbies included woodworking, projects around the house, learning to play guitar, listening to music (especially loved the Beatles), spending time with family and friends, and boating.

He was the proud co-owner of Nepper’s Body Shop, which was a family-owned business for ninety-nine years.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Linnea Nepper; children, Brett (Jen) Nepper, and Stephanie (Kerk) Summers; five grandchildren, Ethan, Evan, Harper, and Quinn Nepper, and Sophie Summers; sisters, Tina Wilson, and Carol Janssen; brothers, Gary (Enita) Nepper, Tom (Jeanne) Nepper, Jeff (Dana Rae) Nepper, Dennis (Judy) Nepper, Ron (Gidget) Nepper; and many nieces; nephews; and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Matthew and Lori Merila; brothers-in-law, Ken Janssen, and Dan Wilson; and sister-in-law, Leslie Nepper.

He left us too soon, and will be greatly missed. “Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever.” Thank you for being a great dad and for all the advice, wisdom, and guidance over the years. We were all so blessed to have been able to celebrate yours and mom’s fiftieth wedding anniversary in May.

Steve’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff, doctors, and nurses at UP Health System – Marquette for the care they provided.

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Family Baptist Church, Iron Mountain, Mich. A celebration of life will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Pastor Kevin Sullivan will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve’s memory to the American Diabetes Association or Tunnel to Towers.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Steve’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Steve’s legacy of life.