Steven Nyman
ISHPEMING, MI – Steven William Nyman, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2017 after a brief illness.
Born November 26th, 1949 in Ishpeming, MI, he was the son of Raino Walfred Nyman and Eleanor Kathleen (Hellier) Nyman.
While in high school, he worked at the Newberry Department Store, before graduating from Ishpeming High School in 1967. Steve went on to graduate from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI with a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in 1971.
From there, he worked for the Environmental Protection Agency in Collinsville, IL as an environmental inspector from its founding in 1972 to 1973; for Ford Motor Company as a chemical engineer in a paint plant in Mt. Clemens, MI from 1973 to 1974; and for Consolidated Paper Company as a chemical engineer at a paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids, WI from 1974 to 1977.
At this time in life, he decided to change careers and follow his true passion of teaching. He went to night school and graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point with a teaching degree in 1977, going on to teach chemistry, physics, and physical science at Amherst High School in Amherst, WI from 1977 to 1987.
Son Eric was born in 1978 and daughter Emily was born in 1983.
He fulfilled his lifelong dream of returning to Ishpeming and his alma mater teaching chemistry, advanced chemistry, and physical science at Ishpeming High School from 1987 to 2001.
Retired in 2001 as a result of physical challenges from paralysis, and married Garna Ann (Service) Kedzierzawski in 2001. In 2013, he moved to Eugene, OR to be closer to family. In 2014, he founded a live music venue/pub known as Old Nick’s.
He was an avid outdoorsman and nature enthusiast; he loved hiking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. He enjoyed spending summers at the family camp on Lake Arfelin, north of Champion, which he helped his father build. He enjoyed travel, especially to areas of scenic natural beauty such as national parks. He made several multi-week long canoeing expeditions, especially enjoying Quetico Provincial Park in Canada.
He had a great love for many varieties of music, especially Celtic and folk music. He enjoyed attending live events such as the Hiawatha Folk Festival in Marquette. He also greatly enjoyed attending live theater such as plays. He loved science and teaching, not only as a profession but in every facet of life. He had a tremendous talent and interest for educating others and could make nearly any topic relatable to anyone. He was always happy to share wisdom, knowl- edge, and ideas regarding science, philosophy, the arts, or any other subject, demonstrating a seemingly endless series of useful and interesting information that he always made time to pass on to any and all.
Later in life he continued his trademark optimism despite many mobility and health challenges. He refused to allow these difficulties to alter his fundamentally positive outlook towards other people and the world at large and was a source of inspiration to many for how he continued to find joy in life despite many hardships. In his final months, he greatly enjoyed spending much time with his newly born granddaughter, taking walks with her and interacting with her.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Garna; two children, Eric Benjamin Nyman and Emily Heather Nyman, both of Eugene, OR; granddaughter Eleanor Rose Nyman of Eugene, OR; sister Sandra Edith (Nyman) Grisham of Hammond, WI; niece Kirsten Dawn Grisham of Hammond, WI; stepchildren Kurt Kedzierzawski of Raleigh, NC and Kara (Kedzierzawski) Holm of Marquette; his walking partner, dog Bella; several step-grandchil- dren, great nieces, and great nephews and many cousins.
An informal celebration of life will be held at the Teal Lake Lodge at Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming on Wednesday August 2nd from 3-8pm. General public is welcome. There will be a potluck dinner, live music, and an opportunity for those who wish to share memories of Steve to do so.