Stephen J. Nepper

Steve was born on Oct. 4, 1951, in Iron Mountain, 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 50th wedding anniversary this year.

He was very proud of his 20 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 99 years.

He is survived by his wife of 50 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 50th 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.

A Celebration of Steve’s Life will be announced at a later date.

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 of Iron Mountain to honor Steve’s legacy of life.