Stephan Gregg Pelto
Stephan Pelto
MARQUETTE, MI- Stephan Gregg Pelto, aged 59, passed away unexpectedly, September 23 following a brief illness. Steve was one-of-a-kind with a generous heart and philosopher’s soul. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, friend, artist, and teacher.
Steve graduated from Marquette High in 1982 and went on to earn a degree in education from NMU. He taught middle school and high school in Marquette before relocating to the West Coast where he taught in both Washington and California. Wherever Steve went he carried the U.P. with him and he recently returned to his beloved hometown of Marquette. Steve was an accomplished watercolorist. With no formal training, he taught himself technique and experimented with methods. Steve was always willing to grow as an artist. He was a spiritual person who loved to discuss, and debate, the deeper meaning of things, whether that was the best microbrews, art theory, or the balance of nature and man.
Steve is survived by his mother, Sandra Pelto; brother Mike Pelto and sister-in-law Kathy; brother Ken Pelto and sister-in-law Amber; niece Christine Pelto; nephew Andrew Pelto and his fiance Ali; nephew Henrik Pelto; uncle Ken Pelto and aunt Carol Pelto; uncles Jim Nebel and Dave Lundquist; cousins Lisa, Lauri, Andy, Wendy, Amy, Joe, and Kevin; and many other family, friends, and students whom he maintained friendships with throughout the years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Norman Pelto, and aunts Sue (Heiser) Nebel and Carol (Heiser) Lundquist; along with his beloved cats Patches and Bootsie; and dog Tasha. If you knew Steve, you probably heard about the best collie ever to walk the earth.
The loss of Steve is enormous, but we are grateful to have Steve’s many works of art which show his love for the natural beauty in the world around him. In Steve’s words, “I have always said that wherever I go, I find good people, beautiful places, and interesting things to explore.”ù When you look at the snow falling or the sun painting the clouds as it sets over Lake Superior, think of Steve and smile.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, October 21, beginning at 10:30 am until the time of service at 12:00 noon.
A reception will follow in the funeral home reception room. All are welcome.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com