Samuel "Sam" Steffan

Samuel Arlie “Sam” Steffan, 79, passed away on August 1, 2019, after a long, courageous battle with colon cancer. Sam was born September 29, 1939, to Samuel and Pauline Steffan in Edgar, MT. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Fromberg High School in 1957. He served 20 years in the US Air Force as a missile maintenance superintendent and retired as a Master Sgt. He later went on to work for Boeing in electronic systems and missile defense for 22 years. Sam raised registered “Saler” cattle and leased land at the Ayrshire Dairy for many years. His adventures included flagging at the stock car races, riding a horse in the Cattle Drive of 1989, riding a bull and bareback horse at The Old Timer’s rodeo, many rides with his Harley family and a long ride on his Harley to Nashville and back to Great Falls with his wife. Sam married Karen in 1978. Together they shared 7 children. He was fond of his beloved Harley Davidson motorcycles and attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally yearly. The Big Sky Harley Davidson shop became his home away from home and he made sure to have the coffee on by 8:00 every morning, right after he made breakfast for his mother-in-law, Gert at the Lodge. He served on the board of Big Sky Montana Harley Owners’ group and made many good friends that became like family over the years (he was known as the Hogfather). He enjoyed volunteering his time to many non-profit organizations. Sam will forever be remembered for his stoic, no-nonsense exterior and his loving, giving heart. His mashed potatoes were perfection and no one will ever make them the same. In his last days he said, “I love everyone with all of my heart.” Survivors include his wife; Karen; children, Kevin (Rebecca W.) Steffan, Shelly (Val) Scott, Kim (Jack) Morris, Lori (Robert) Gibson, Kelly (Tracy) Mikes, Darren (Stephanie) Steffan, and Natalie Davis ; grandchildren, Leslie (Ryan) Seltzer, Dillon (Melissa H.) Morris, Karly (Dusty C.) Morris, Jacob Steffan, and Rylie Davis; great-grandchildren, Keenan and Quincy Seltzer; siblings, Maris Bauwens and Monte Steffan; Brian (Tami) Moenat Big Sky Harley who was like a son to him; and his faithful dog, Zoey, who never left his side during his illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Joe and Gert Lorang and a son-in-law Derrick Davis. At his request there will be no formal services. A celebration of life will be given by Big Sky Harley at a later date. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Toys for Tots (In care of Marylou Brewster at 1120 Avenue C Northwest) or Sletten Cancer Institute. Thank you to Dr. Martin and staff at Sletten, Dr. Engan, and Peace Hospice for his care. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. We hope that he is riding a Harley again with the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. We love you.