Stephan Dale Nye was born in Keokuk, Iowa on December 2, 1947 to Arvest Nye (Rocky) and Martha Belle Almeda Scott (Scottie).  Steve graduated from Freeport High School in 1965.  Shortly thereafter he met and married the love of his life, Carol Jean Tuell on December 4, 1965.  They enjoyed many adventures throughout their marriage but especially loved visiting different casinos where they frequently stayed out until the wee hours of the morning.

Steve was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome when he was eighteen years old.  Despite being paralyzed for a year with the disease, he always maintained a positive attitude while learning to walk again.  Friends and family will remember Steve fondly for his resilience. He believed that it was good to do hard things and important to maintain a positive attitude when facing adversity, no matter how hopeless a situation might seem.

Steve was proud to be a sponsor of the Freeport Junior Coin Club and enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia and antiques throughout his life. He would take his family with him to flea markets, coordinate sports memorabilia shows and participate in auctions throughout Illinois. Catching the collector bug early as a child himself, he would often go out of his way to give away collectables to children that would stop by his sports memorabilia table to inspire the next generation of collectors. Later in life he gained a passion for playing Texas Hold'em and would never pass up the opportunity to organize a game.

Steve was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. When asked he'd tell you that of all of the things he accomplished and overcame throughout his life, his greatest accomplishment was raising two boys whom he was extremely proud of, although we think it was getting kicked out of Cub Scouts. He was grateful that they expanded his family to two amazing daughters-in-law and two beautiful granddaughters.

Steve passed away peacefully on September 9, 2022. He is survived by his wife Carol Jean Nye, sons Troy Nye (Tonya) of Madison, WI and Brad Nye (Rachel) of Timnath, CO, grandchildren Mia and Brooke Nye, siblings Susan Lawson, Doris Leimer, Audrey Nye-Shaffer, Tony Nye and Melissa Forth.

He will be remembered fondly for his kindness, positivity, and charisma. A celebration of life will be held Friday, September 16, 2022, 3:00pm – 6:00pm at Prairie Pub, 1597 S. Adams Ave in Freeport, Illinois. Steve had a gift for making people feel accepted and welcomed. His family is honored to welcome you to join them in celebrating their beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Our family has been overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and support. If you wish to make a monetary contribution in lieu of flowers, you may do so at https://everloved.com/life-of/stephan-nye/