Stephen Birkoski

Stephen Joseph Birkoski, 73, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016, of mesothelioma with his family by his side.Steve was born the 7th of 12 kids in Glasgow, Montana on November 19, 1942 to Joseph and Jenny Birkoski. He went to school in Opheim and Glasgow, where he graduated in 1961, the same year he was drafted into the Army, where he honorably served for 2 years. During his Opheim years, he met the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Clampitt. They were married in 1965 and were blessed with two daughters, Darcy and Stacy. Steve worked for the Smelter before joining the Buick garage as parts manager for 25 years. During this time, he also worked a second job as a Howards Pizza driver. After leaving Dick Grieb Buick, Steve began working for Sams Club where he retired in 2008, pending the much anticipated birth of his first granddaughter, Bella Jo. A grandson, Luca James, soon followed.Steve was a devoted, honest family man. Husband, Dad, and Papa were his favorite roles. His eyes would light up at the mention of Bella or Luca, and he took every opportunity to spend time with them sharing his love of fishing and camping. Living just down the street, Luca and Papa spent many hours watching football and basketball games together (Ooh, Papa, that was a good run!), while Bella kept Papa busy making crafts.Steve was a jack of all trades. Whether, building his garage, shingling his daughters roof, putting in a chain link fence, or mending his grandchildrens toys, Steve did it all to perfection. Lets take it to Papa, he can fix anything! The most memorable fix-it had to be to Lucas most prized possession, his stuffed Baby Scooby. After his real puppy chewed off Baby Scoobys ear, Luca gingerly took the part to Papa who performed surgery that same day, making for a very happy little boy.Steve enjoyed traveling many places, including Nashville, Alaska, Mexico, and most recently Hawaii, where he took his wife, daughters, and grandchildren to celebrate his and Phyllis 50th wedding anniversary. But his favorite place was still the lake with a fishing pole in one hand, a cold beer in the other, and family all around.Up until the end, Steve lived his life dignified and to the fullest. There was no blame and no pity. He kept his sense of humor throughout, often getting a laugh from his nurses. He will be sorely missed, but we will continue to honor Steve by the way we live our lives, with dignity, honesty, hard work and a sense of humor.Steve is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters Darcy and Stacy; grandchildren Isabella and Luca; sisters Rosalie (Al) Winter and Denise (Terry) Fuhrman; and numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Edmund, Dennis, Chuck and Johnny; and sisters Martha, Patsy, Regina, Stella and Margaret.A funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.Condolences for the family may be posted on SchniderFuneralHome.com.