Tribute to G. Stephen Nettleton (May 7, 1946–April 2, 2024)

I first met Steve when I joined the Biological Stain Commission in 1983, 3 years after he had formerly joined the organization. From the start, I knew I had a friend and a helpful colleague as we tackled the ever-reoccurring problems of dye shortages, purity issues, new uses of dyes and reports of problems from the field. In 1987 he was elected to the Vice-Presidency for 5 years, then continued as President for another 5 years. Shortly before his death on April 2, 2024, he was Editor of Biotechnic and Histochemistry, but his time with the journal went back 47 years! From 1977 until 1980 he was an editorial assistant to then-editor James B. Longley for what was then called Stain Technology. Promoted to Assistant Editor in 1980, he served under Longley until 1988 when he took over as Editor.

Steve’s devotion to the journal was complete and amazing. He fashioned a wonderful working relationship with the publisher, Taylor and Francis. His editorial expertise was unparalleled. He could criticize in the nicest way, more as a mentor than an editor. He had an extensive vocabulary and could always find the perfect word for something, making ever-so-subtle changes to a manuscript.

Steve was born and raised in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and, in 1968 earned a B.S. degree with honors in Biology from McPherson College in McPherson, Kansas. In 1976, he received a Ph.D. degree in Anatomy from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis). Along the way he served for 2 years as a Surgical Technician at Elkhart General Hospital, Elkhart, Indiana. After graduate school, he began his long academic career at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, in the Department of Anatomical Sciences, where he rose through the ranks from Instructor to Vice Chairman. Additionally, he was Associate Dean for Medical Student Affairs (4 years) and Associate Dean for Medical School Admissions and Students (7 years). In 2012, he retired as Professor Emeritus.

From 1979 until his retirement he earned 21 outstanding teaching awards. Between 1979 and 2012, he served on 1-8 university committees each year. In the area of Anatomy and Embryology Education, Steve wrote or coauthored 6 laboratory manuals and 3 self instructional programs. In the academic literature, he had 33 publications dealing with histochemistry and anatomy, 9 of which contributed to our understanding of the Schiff aldehyde fuchsin reactions.

But that is not the full story. He was a minister for the Church of the Brethern (licensed 1972-1981, ordained 1981-2024), and contributed in that role to both the university (with invocations, benedictions, seminars, advisor to student religious groups) and the community at large. Steve leaves behind his wife, 3 children and 4 grandchildren, a close, loving family reflecting his amazing career.