Steven James Tufnell, age 69, of Wells passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 11, 2023.
Steve was born July 12, 1953 in Manistique, Michigan, the son of Earl and Dora (Gustafson) Tufnell. He was raised in Manistique and graduated from the Manistique High School in May of 1971. On January 29, 1972 he was united in marriage to Nancy Lee Peterson at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique, Michigan. Steve was employed at Pearson Boiler in Escanaba MI for 27 years. After joining the union he worked for Industrial Piping as a pipefitter until the business closed. He was employed at Johnson Controls until he retired in 2020. Steve’s hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing and hanging out with “the boys” on Monday nights playing bumper pool or cribbage at each other’s “man caves”. He was a loyal Michigan sports fan- Tigers and Lions. He was an amazing husband, father, papa, uncle and the best friend you could ever have! He was known as “The Man/The Myth/The Legend” to all those who loved him. He will be truly missed!
Steve is survived by his wife, Nancy, son, Cory Tufnell of Escanaba, daughters, Wendy Tufnell of Wells, Laurie (Derk) Oslund of Wells and Stacey (Chad) Burie of Menominee; grandchildren, Nathan Tufnell, Marissa Marshall, Makayla Marshall, Alexis Isaacson, Mikey Burie, Sarah Dowd, and Hannah Simmons, great grandchildren, Audrie LaCosse and Anden Dowd; siblings, Mike (Mary) Tufnell of Bath, MI, Jeanne (Howard) Tennyson of Roy, WA, Don (Deb) Tufnell of Manistique MI, Phillip Tufnell of Menominee MI and Alan Tufnell of Wallace, MI and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Tina Tufnell, infant twin daughters, Melanie and Christy Tufnell, daughter-in-law Julie Tufnell and brothers, Jeff and David Tufnell,
Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1230 N. 18th Street in Escanaba with a service to follow. Rev. Dr. Lon Hider will officiate. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall.
Don Chartier - Newberry , MI
I am honored to call Steve cousin, a great friend. Softball companion since we were kids up to late adulthood. A trustworthy man, great father, grandfather, husband, brother. Steve has always been one of the good guys that would help anyone anytime. He will be missed and importantly remembered for good he always did. Love you cuz R.I.P.
Scott Phillips - Green Bay, WI
My sincere condolences to Steve’s family and friends. I worked with Steve from time to time at Johnson Controls. Steve came down to central Wisconsin a few times each year to work with members of our team. I loved his work ethic and awareness to completing jobs with excellence. His skill and understanding of his trade made him second to none. His talents and attention to detail will continue to influence many of the younger generations to come.
I’m grateful to have known Steve for the past 18 years.
Scott Phillips
Debbie LaCrosse - Rapid River, Mi
This is so sad. Steve was a great guy whom I met at the Highland and became friends with. Monday nights were special for 4 certain golfers. I also would see him at Whitetails. R.I.P. my friend. The suffering is over.
Craig Fosmo - Escanaba, Michigan
Sincere Condolences to Steve’s family.
I can for certain say that nobody I ever met was more knowledgeable about commercial boilers and piping lay out than Steve was.
It was always a learning experience and I always looked forward when Steve was there.
Gail Sulander - Manistique, MI
What a nice man. Sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers of strength to the family and friends of Steve.
Ron Frappier - Gladstone , Mi
I met “Tuffy” through softball. Man what a great player he was! We played together a lot and always had a great time, except for that throw he made to me when I wasn’t looking! Made a trip to the emergency room for 6 stitches above my left eyebrow!! Lots of good memories. Rest in peace my friend! If there are softball teams in heaven, he’s already playing!
Kevin Tufnell - Lansing, MI
Steve was my cousin, and because of distance I didn’t see him much. Despite that, he leaves a lasting memory. Always kind, soft spoken, gentle, and smiling. Always! As adults, we always discussed the mundane things in life. Homes, jobs, family, “getting old” (haha), and things like that. The mundane stuff exposes one’s true character, and Steve was of high character. I last saw him at my moms house, and he was joking about my gray hair. RIP, Steve, and tell your mom and dad hello.
Jim - Bark River, MI
Worked with Steve at Pearsons. Great guy. Great mentor. Learned a lot from Steve including the lyrics to a song he always sang called Red Rubber Ball. And that song echoes in my mind today. Miss ya Tuffy!
UniFirst – Escanaba and Wisconsin Rapids - WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI
We didn’t personally know Steve, but we work with his son Cory. If Steve is anything like Cory, he was a great man and I’m sure left his mark on everyone he touched. We would like to offer our condolences and well wishes to the Tufnell family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Sincerely, your friends and family at UniFirst.
Alan Deeg - Appleton, Wi
I worked with Steve at Pearson Boiler for 6 years. He was a great person and friend. We had a lot of great times at work which was 4 days and nights together each week. My condolences to the Family.