Allen Curtis Stenhjem aka “Rubyrnr”, age 82, of Helena Montana, passed away on August 18, 2022 after complications from surgery.
Allen was born on April 26, 1940 to Albert Curtis and Anna Mae Stenhjem in Sheridan, WY. After Allen graduated from Helena High School in 1958, he went on to work for MT State Dept of Transportation Road Design. In 1961 Allen married Jeanette May and had three children. After retiring from MTDT in 1989 he then became the “Best Bar Keep in Town” at U & I , Fox Ridge, and York Bar.
In 1999, Allen joined his life partner and best friend, Glenda Grover. Over the next 23 years, Allen and Glenda enjoyed traveling to Wendover, Cabo, Hawaii and countless memorable road trips. Glenda has stories of how some of those were a little nerve racking. They loved making Allen’s “Best Chili Ever” but Glenda will tell you, “He would never allow me to do more than chop the onions”. The days of sitting on the deck at Lakeside and discussing the next backroad to travel will be missed.
Allen was the road trip master & a social butterfly. “BIG AL EVERYBODY’S PAL” was known to draw a crowd with his funny wit and one liners. Some of his family’s favorites included “Put another log on the fire” and “I’ll have one more”. Allen was a member of the Nickel’s Raccoon Club and spent his days golfing, going to Car Shows, and spending time at Hunting camp with his many friends and all those he called family. For Allen, family was the most important. Some of his favorite pastimes were bird hunting on Roy Rogers Pass with his son and grandson, Lincoln trips to his brother’s cabin with the family, annual trips to Flathead Lake, and of course the huge family events. He loved being around those he loved while enjoying a Bud Light, or a few Keystones every now and then, with Willie Nelson playing in the background.
Allen was preceded in death by parents Curt and Anna Mae Stenhjem, sister Judy (Fred) Bakke, brother Cas Stenhjem, and daughter Kandice Mae Stenhjem. He is survived by life partner Glenda Grover (Mike and Shari), sons Tracy (Christy) and Todd Stenhjem (Carrie), brother Kevin Stenhjem (Cyndi and daughter Kindra), and grandchildren Austin Stenhjem (Maddie), Shelby Stenhjem, Chase Stenhjem, Cameron Stenhjem, and many loved nieces and nephews.
Allen’s celebration of life will be held at Nickels Casino on 2100 N Last Chance Gulch on Friday August 26, 2022 at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nickel’s Racoon Club, an organization Allen enjoyed.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2 p.m.
Friday August 26, 2022
Nickels Casino
2100 N Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2 p.m.
Friday August 26, 2022
Nickels Casino
2100 N Last Chance Gulch
Helena, Montana 59601
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Glenda Grover says
I will love and miss you forever. You’ve been my road trip master best friend.
Lorraine Karwaski says
Glenda and the Stenhjem Family,
My deepest sympathies. I’m so sorry to hear about Al’s passing. He was a true gem. Loved him dearly and I have many memories of years of friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Susan and Rich Proul says
Glenda and Stenhjem family….there are no words. Allen was definately one of the best. Raccoon club, car shows, cruises, just everything. We are so very sorry for your loss. There are many many many memories that we can all keep close in our hearts and he will always be with us. Rest In Peace Allen…thanks for the great memories
Anna says
Stenhjem Family – with sincere condolences. Allen lived life to the fullest always smiling and such a good soul. Thinking of you.
John & Cherie Dahl says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family 🙏. Al was a friend for 60 years.
Dan McGowan says
Sorry for your loss. Al was a good friend and always full of himself. Glad we were able to enjoy one last hunting trip together. RIP my friend!!!!!
B J Benjamin says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Cj says
My dear Glenda and family, so sad to hear about Allen! You and Allen were always at all the functions I attended! You and Allen were so kind and friendly and always included me! I will miss not seeing him with you! God bless!
Terry W Bass says
Rest In Peace. One of a kind. Always moving forward and sharing a chuckle.
Danielle Young says
To the entire Stenhjem family and Glenda, Im so very sorry for your loss, my heart breaks for you all. My buddy Al will be so dearly missed. He was such a great guy, and we all loved him so very much. He made my days at work so much better and always put a smile on my face when he walked into the door. I will forever hold a special place in my heart for Al, as he has been with me most days of my 22 years at Nickels. Also, the fun trips I’ve taken with him in the past. He may be gone but will never be forgotten, he left us with too many great memories for that. RIP Al, Love your friend(and bartender) -Dani
Jill Shea says
To the stenhjem family: So very sorry for your loss. No more suffering 😌 Rest in Peace Allen.
Ken and Toshua Krushensky says
Allen was a great man and left a lasting legacy drawing on the importance of family and fun! Allen will be missed by all! Rest In Peace
Jim and Sally says
We will love and miss you forever. You were differently one of the best
Cindy Lee and Rob Roddy says
Glenda, Rob and I will miss seeing you both out and about. We are so sorry. Blessings are in those wonderful memories!
Faun says
To the Stenhjem families. So sorry to hear about Allen’s passing. What a special guy and loved his smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terry Thomas & Teri Bingham says
Our sincere condolences to the entire Stenhjem family. We enjoyed many road trips, car show, and Nickels bs sessions with Al. Always a ton of fun to be around !!! We will miss you a ton at Nickels and on the road!! RIP our friend until we see you at the big car show upstairs !!!
James a wills says
Al was a friend for over 60 years. I was in the class of 59 right behind him. On many trips back to Helena I would run into him. I think he was a good friend of my sister Liane. Be at peace good friend.
Cathy (Pullin) and Greg Kovich says
Our condolences to the entire family. Allen was a jovial person with a good laugh for those whom he played worked. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Evy Burris Sass says
My Sincere condolences to all of Al’s Family & Loved ones. Al sure lived a fun filled Life like it should be lived. He still had lots of plans I’m sure but one never knows what tomorrow will bring. God Bless Al & may He Rest In Peace. Evy Burris
Sandy Holtman says
Tracy,
Our deepest sympathy! You and everyone are in our prayers! Sending you Love and strength in this time of loss.
Love Don and Sandy ❤️
Debbie Hurni says
My condolences to all of Al’s family. I have known this family my entire life. Al & my brother Vern Raymond were best of friends for many years. Hunting camp, Bud & Zonas Bar (my parents) Bill Robert’s Golf course, Kim’s Marina, Yacht Basin, Wongs on Main Street, Big Sky were some of places we all frequented together many times when I was young. Al taught me to waltz when I was 8. Many happy memories. May God help you find peace during this time. 🙏
Shelly Proul Viera says
Heartfelt loss to the entire Stenjhem Family..
Al was a Helena Legacy, He was Loved by Many and will be Missed by All.
What a gas he was and Always made you feel good and that life was great , Laughter surrounded him..I rarely saw my Uncle Bill without Al, or Al without another Stenjhem !! I loved all of them Kevin, Judy and of course Cas. Cheers to All of you and sorry for a great loss , the Sharing of all the wonderful Memories will help in this difficult time..
Al with his Big Smile, squinty eyes while laughing is
“On the Road Again”
Shelly Proul Viera..
Amy Marshall says
Allen was a great friend of our family “The Brighton’s”. Al would show up on Christmas at our house to say “Hello & Merry Christmas” strutting his dapper bright colored Golf outfit with white patent-leathered shoes beer in-hand and a great big smile. I was very young and all i could do is stare at him. Later in life, he became our bar-tender the first day we opened Red Fox Supper Club where he attracted a genuine bar crowd. He was always dressed to the nines, and a story to tell the patrons while he slowly made them a cocktail. He always joked with me how I gave him a hard time keeping the wine glasses spotless and remembers the procession of beer trucks coming on the first day of the liquor license approval. He had many golf tricks he shared with me and I still use his techniques to this day. There is nobody like Allen Stenhjem and his fun-loving attitude. To all the Stenhjem family and Glenda’s family, always know there is plenty of great memories to share and remember.
I can only hope his welcoming committee is comprised of all his eternal paragon friends and family and they are all having a beer with a cheer.
Love, Amy Marshall & Family
Linda says
Glenda, I enjoyed reading about Al and his friends and activities. I send sympathy to you. Obviously, he will be missed by you and his many friends.
Shari Adams says
My mom Glenda Grover loved this man with all of her heart. So sad he is no longer with us. My mom misses him so much!! it hurts me to see. He was an amazing man ! Thank you Allen for all the adventures you shared with my mom. She will never be the same without you and you will forever be in her heart! And mine also. Till we meet again.