Steve Holzheimer

Steve Holzheimer, 66, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on August 29, 2017.He was born in Great Falls on December 27, 1950, the third child of George and Esther (Lundin) Holzheimer. Much of his youth was spent between Lincoln and Monarch hunting and fishing. Steve graduated from Great Falls High School in 1969. While in high school, he was an avid participant in dirt bike motocross and hill climb. He was an excellent mechanic and was soon involved in the latest winter ragesnow mobile racing. He worked in cycle shops to pay his way in his sport, and Spartan Cycle Shop was his first long-term employer where he eventually worked his way into sales.By September of 1969, Steve had enlisted in the United States Air Force and completed his basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, as an aircraft maintenance specialist. On May 28, 1970, after successfully completing training, he was honorably discharged from active duty and transferred into the reserve at Montana Air National Guard. He was assigned to the 120th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance squadron (CAMRON) as a jet aircraft specialist on the flight line. After attaining rank of Sergeant (E-4), he separated from service in November 1976 with an honorable discharge.In 1977, Steve became a carpenter apprentice under the direction of Mike Berek Construction. He enjoyed construction and carpentry work his entire career and was self-employed for many years. In 1998, he went to work as a Superintendent for Wadsworth Builders Company, Inc. He retired in September, 2016.Steve spent many hours in the woods, lakes, and rivers of Montana hunting, fishing, and camping. It was a rare winter when the family did not have an elk in the freezer. Every Sunday you could find Steve in front of the television watching NASCAR. He loved the sport and was able to attend races at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and Martinsville Speedway and visited the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Steve was a member of the National Rifle Association, the Charlie Russell Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Montana, and the Great Falls Snowmobile Club. He supported the American Heart Association.On December 27, 1969, Steve married Gail Haaby. That marriage brought daughters Heather Burcham (Randy) and Heidi Wadsworth (the late Jim Wadsworth) into their lives. They later divorced. On November 25, 1978, Steve married Colleen Galvin Walker and created a blended family of girls with daughters Jill Roberts (David) and Julie Walker. Papa Steve was a beloved grandfather to his six grandchildren, who always knew where to find his famous treat jar.He is survived by his mother, Esther Holzheimer; wife Colleen; daughters Heather (Randy), Heidi, Jill (David), and Julie; grandsons Riley Wadsworth, Keaton Burcham, and Bailey Wadsworth; granddaughters Kendal Burcham, Logan Roberts, and Landon Roberts; brother George Holzheimer, Jr. (Gail); sisters Susan Tonne and Marcee Mizenko; and many nieces, nephews, and their children.Steve was preceded in death by his father, George Holzheimer, Sr. and his son-in-law, Jim Wadsworth.A celebration of life will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at the Family Living Center at the Montana Expo Park.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Friends of the Little Belts, PO Box 602, Great Falls, MT 59403 http://www.friendsoflittlebelts.com/.