Nicholas “Nick” Logan Stevens
Nick “Nicky Chedda” Stevens, 33, of Winona and Grand Marais, MN, passed away comfortably on Monday, May 27th at his little sister’s home.
Nick was born on May 17th, 1991 to Brian Stevens and Sera Schuh in Winona, MN. They had full hands with Nick from the moment he was born, but always fuller hearts.
As a toddler, the nicknames always seemed the most fitting for Nick, and they’d be only the start of dozens; “Fireball Roberts”, “Pickle”, “Pistol.”
As a young boy, Nick loved to do what boys did; Play in the dirt, ride his bicycle, color pictures and more. And as he grew, his passions and hobbies expanded and his friend list was becoming what it was forever; seemingly endless. Nick always had a friend with him, whether they were skateboarding, biking, gaming or… spray painting snowballs to throw at his dad’s brand-new truck in the driveway.
If there were ever a time Nick was alone, he’d keep himself busy by making jewelry (usually out of hemp), tie-dying T-shirts or drawing pictures. Nick was a creative and talented soul.
In high school, Nick got his first car, a $500 Chevy Corsica out of a farm field. After his father and he rid the car of bees, Nick wired in a sound system and was on his way to “pick up chicks.” Nick was always so proud that nearly every car he owned had cost LESS than the sound system inside of it. You’d always hear Nick coming before you’d see him.
That first car landed Nick his first true girlfriend, Nikki, and for years, when Nick wasn’t attached to the hip of a friend, he was laughing or on an adventure with Nikki; the Nick and Nikki show.
During those teen and young adult years, Nick had a few jobs; including hauling water for Culligan, painting cylinders at the “fill plant” at Mississippi Welders (where he once accidentally painted himself entirely blue like a Smurf) and “putting the holes in the donuts” at Hy-Vee Bakery.
When Nick was 21, he moved up to Grand Marais, MN, with his beloved cat Shadi in tow, to start fresh and be closer to his lifelong special friend and confidant Granny Boots. Nick immediately added countless friends to his friend list and would continue to for the next 11 years up there.
In this time frame is also where Nick acquired the name “Nicky Chedda”, sometimes shortened to just “Chedda” and sometimes expanded to “Nicholas Von Cheddarsworth.” Scholarly. But Nicky Chedda in some context has always stuck.
It was hard for people to not gravitate to Nick as his demeanor was always kind, his heart was huge and his sense of humor was enormous.
He’d take ridiculous pictures in public, casually rep the most ridiculous clothing (like his Ramen Noodle hoodie) and he wasn’t afraid to break out into a groovy dance number at any moment. Nick just truly loved to be a goof and he was unapologetically himself wherever he went; his goal was always to just make those around him smile.
And if you weren’t together, he’d happily leave you a comical voicemail; pretending to be John Mackerel from Mackerel Appliance just checking to see how your toasters were working, John Anderson from Anderson Flooring seeing if you needed varnish, Stewart wanting a hot date or handyman Nick himself calling to let you know he got all of the hair out of your drains while you were out and about.
Up on that north shore, Nick fell in love with golfing, snowboarding with his best and new buddies on the Lutsen Mountains, watching any and all sporting events, bonfires, driving down the backroads with his “Granny”, finding a fish in a lake somewhere and he fell in love with his girlfriend Brittney, who blessed Nick’s life with bonus child, Castor, and Nick’s pride and joy, Sophia.
Nick loved children, but he especially loved Castor and his little girl, Sophia. He’d brag with preschool graduation pictures, father-daughter dances and holidays and was proud of things that he had taught them.
Nick was also proud of the jobs he did in Grand Marais; whether it be a side job or helping a friend, to “slingin’ dough” at Sven & Ole’s Pizza, brush reduction for Firewise in the Boundary Waters, and his most prideful accomplishment, helping internally build and manage the taco shop, formerly known as “Hughie’s”, where Nick happily greeted thousands of guests and made them the best fry bread tacos.
In early 2024, Nick’s journey brought him back to Winona and into the house next door to the one he grew up in; his sister’s. It was this last part of Nick’s life where he seemed to bloom. Nick spent precious time with his parents, sister and brother-in-law, he rekindled friendships with old friends and he started to re-engage in some of his favorite old hobbies; frisbee golfing, biking, hiking.
He was offered a job at Lakeview Drive-Inn working for family friends and it was here where he came home saying almost daily that he felt “right at home” behind the counter, he loved the staff and he was proud of himself for the work he was doing.
In the last few months of his life, Nick also formed a very close connection with his three nieces (Harper, Makinley and Hazel) and was always happy to teach them new things, read with them, snuggle them and guide them.
Nick loved adventure and he loved to travel. His spirit took him to several places; some which include the Badlands with his grandpa Steve, a birthday trip to Seattle, Colorado and Florida with the “Minnesota 7” and most recently, a 2-week journey in California with his mom where he became a chosen part of the Beighley-Walczak family. He loved them all.
Nick had a heart that loved everyone. Nick didn’t see color; he didn’t have a fighting or mean bone in his body. He would help those in need; especially the underdogs and it’s no cliche that Nick genuinely would give you the tie-dyed T-shirt off his back.
Nick will be missed undoubtedly and immensely by all those lucky enough to know him.
Nick is survived by his sister, Madeline (Dakota) Sorlie of Winona; parents, Sera Schuh of Rollingstone and Brian (Angela Thompson) Stevens of Winona; nieces Harper, Makinley & Hazel Sorlie of Winona; aunts Jeanette “Nettie” (Gregg Jore) Schuh of Winona and Barbara (Nick) Fancher of Prior Lake; his “Granny” Judy Boots of Grand Marais, Grandma Mary Stevens of Rochester and Grandpa Steve Schuh of Rollingstone; step siblings Cal (Devon), Sommer and Sydnee; cousins Bella, Aiden, Will and Sam, and honorary “Uncle Bill” Nelson of Minneapolis; as well as extended family members and countless friends whom Nick considered family.
Nick is proceeded in death by his Grandpa Lynn Stevens, “Uncle Dan” Schlienz, and several close friends. They have the best angels wherever they are at; and they’re sure to cause some ruckus there, too!
A Celebration of Nick’s life will be held from 4-7 p.m.on Friday, June 7th, at Hoff Funeral Home in Winona, MN, where all are welcome to view pictures and share Nick’s stories and memories.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Reid Freiermuth, Dakota Sorlie, Bill Nelson, Seth Backlund, Brandon Curtis, Jake Carlson, Zach Allen, Isaiah Syrmopoulos, Cal Thompson, Ryan Roemhild and Bella (Ezra) Sophia Schuh Jore.
The following day, on Saturday, June 8th, his family will host the 1st Annual “Chedda Fest” at Prairie Island Campground (1340 Prairie Island Road, Winona, MN) from 11-5. Music, food, beverages, photographic memories, yard games, tie-dying and more will be present and Nick’s life will be remembered in a way Nick wanted. Please bring a camp chair and a shirt to dye for yourself in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, please direct any monetary donations to Nick’s memorial fund.
Killin’ it since ‘91!
