Charles Anthony Stenhjem “Cas” arrived at St. John’s Hospital on August 3, 1953. The third child of Curt and Anna Mae Stenhjem. Cas left us on Friday, May 18 at St. Peter’s surrounded by his family after a long battle of health issues.
Following his father’s path through the years; Cas had many jobs in the automotive field; K and C Detailing, Auctioneer, Breeze Auto Glass, and Big Sky Glass. He retired from the automobile world in 2001 due to failing health.
Cas lived life to the fullest; hotrods, car shows, hunting, camping, road trips, annual “Rocking the Rivers” concert were always a venture ready to happen. He also loved his 1969 VW Bug, and even served in Germany with the Montana National Guard.
Cas is survived by the love of his life, Rita and their seven children. Brothers Allen (Glenda), and Kevin (Cyndi). He was also survived by his aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his best friend sister Judy Bakke.
Cremation has taken place and a gift of life gathering will be held at Nickels, 2100 N Last Chance Gulch # C, Helena, MT 59601, on Wednesday, May 23 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Cas’ name can be made to St. Peters Dialysis unit, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Cas, “The Breeze”.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 23, 2018
Nickels
2100 N Last Chance Gulch # C
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 23, 2018
Nickels
2100 N Last Chance Gulch # C
Helena, Montana 59601
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Roger Liedle says
My heart is filled with sadness of hearing of this news. Rita I know Cas meant a lot to you. you have gone through some tough times the last few years he was a good man he will be missed by many. Allen and Kevin I grew up with your family we lost Judy a little while back and now Cas has joined Judy and your parents. wishing you all the very best I’m sure they’re all up playing Pinochle and singing together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all take care.
Tammy Sitch Wearley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Cas’s family. I have so many memories with him, of course years ago but will never forget his humor,love of life, your laugh was the best. You were always there for me and I appreciate you so much. Cas will be missed dearly. May god be all of you at this time.
Brad Bomar says
Sorry for your loss.
Lynn Worsech says
Rita I am so sorry for your loss. I loved the way you two made me felt so wanted at the East Helena Rodeo Club. You are in my prayers.
John Poppe says
Rita, allen, Kevin And Families, My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You All. Cas Was A Caring And Gracious Friend. Take Comfort That He Is Out Of Pain And In God’s Glorious And Beatiful Kingdom, Where We All Will Be Together Some Day, Never To Lose Our Loved Ones Again.
RUSTY GUSTINE says
My thoughts and prayers to the family. Cas was one helluva good man and a great friend. I remember the good old days at Lakeside, when as kids if there wasn’t anything to do, we would always make up something to do, and we generally got our butts beat by the parents afterwards….Cas my man, you were a great friend. You may be gone, but will never be forgotten. RIP my friend.
Kaysee Williams says
I’m sorry to hear about Cas’ passing. Rita and family, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathie and Larry Zanto says
Our thoughts and prayers to all the family. It is always hard but try to dwell on all the GOOD times. He was a great man.
Peggy Yuhas says
Rita, my heart just broke alittle. How I loved that crazy man. I will miss his hugs and bull. If you or your family needs anything please just let me know. I love you ?
Diane says
Cas, Rest in Peace. You truly were a great person with a wonderful, delightful zest for life. My condolences to your family. With deepest sympathy Diane Pedersen
Steve lantz says
Rita, Kevin and Allen, I’m so sorry for our loss. I have great memories of cas and I playing horseshoes and camping,car shows, and concerts. And going hunting with Cad was always an adventure. I will miss him dearly. My condolences to your family.
Lorna (McCarl) Smith says
I wish you all Love & Peace
Wally and Inez Slayman says
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you Rita, and Cas’ family, and all other family members. May your memories with Cas help to ease this tough time and comfort you. Warm hugs to you too. Take care.
Susan & Rich proul says
Allen, Kevin & Rita…
We are so very sorry to hear about Cas. He was such a good person who was truly loved by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. RIP Cas..cheers to you!!
John Curry says
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Jacquie Bennett says
Allen, Kevin, and family:
Throughout the years we’ve shared alot…Cas was a good friend through the years. He is in heaven with Scooter and I’m sure living it up already.
May God bless and comfort you all.
RIP Cas!!!
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Rita, Al, Kevin and Family,
We are saddened to hear of Cas passing. Our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Leon and Marsha Belville
Vonnie Jenkins says
Cash will dearly be missed! Thoughts and prayers to the family!
Rick Broadwater says
My condolences to the Stenhjem family for their loss.
Cas was a life long friend and put glass in a lot of my vehicles.
I will miss seeing him around and talking at car shows.
Evy Burris Sass says
Dear Loved Ones & Family of Cas, I’m sending my Sincere condolences for your great loss. Even though I wasn’t a close friend of Cas, just reading about him confirms the admiration you all have for him. Blessings to his family & all his friends. Evy
Larry Sem says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rita and the entire family. Cas was definitely one of the finest individuals I have ever known. For me, the news of his passing was like a punch in the stomach. He will be sadly missed by everyone he came into contact with. RIP Cas. We’ll all lift our glasses high to you and a life well lived!
Jim White says
I hope that Charles Anthony will say hey to our friend Gary Belgarde. We were kids and grew up together on S. Rodney and State Streets. We lived life with each other and we lived it to the fullest. There are not enough words or time to tell you all about it, but I will tell that they are both here in my thoughts and my heart.
We drove Cas’s VW to Salt Lake City in the dead of winter just to see Grand Funk Railroad. We used to haul that VW to Boise for summer camp in the back of a Duece & A Half so we could have a car in Boise. After camp was done we would drive the VW back and load the Duece with Coors beer, enough to last the rest of the year. We tore it up at summer camp. We called Cas “the Breeze” and we called him our friend.
The next time I’m in Helena, I’ll drive by some of the places that we used to hang, and I’ll remember. Gopher and I will tell stories. We will laugh and we will cry. Farewell my friend, I’ll look for you in Valhalla.
Jim White
Tina (LaSalle) Whitaker says
Sorry to hear of your loss Kevin –
John & Karen Quihillalt says
Rita and family, It is so sad to see that Cas has left this world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this terrible time. Stay strong and may love and peace help you through the rough times.
With love,
John and Karen Quihillalt
Diane Sharp says
My thoughts and Prayers are with you all! I remember in the late seventies we would see Cass driving his silver Chevy van it was really nice and we knew him as The Breeze. You will be missed by all!
Kathy & John Gummere says
Rita , Al , Kevin and family . Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Cas .Such a great guy and so many cherished memories from Hunting Camp .
I can not think of the corner bar at hunting camp , without seeing Cas sitting in his favorite spot, sitting on that stool ! He was always smiling and fun to be around . Now I feel bad for yelling at him to turn the music ? down at camp !! ? Always the life of the party ! He will be missed by all who knew him .
kimberly says
I’m so sorry, Aunt Rita. Love you very much.
Terry Thomas says
My sincere condolences to Rita and the entire Stenhjam family.I’ve known Cas since high school and everyone had a good time when Cas was around! Really enjoyed our car talk at the joint and various car shows,cruise nights we went to.You have had a VW bug since I can remember. Carry on Breeze, we are all going to miss that infectious smile and positive attitude you always had !
Faun Pullin says
Kevin, Allen, Rita and families:
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So sorry to hear about Cas. I will never forget his humor, his smile. love of life and the life of a party. He was a great friend. He was truly loved by all and will be deeply missed. RIP, Cas !!!!
Love Always, Faun
Judy (Harris) Baker says
I haven’t seen Cas for a number of years but I recall many fond memories of him from our Helena High class of ’72. He was always wearing a mischievous grin accompanied by just a tad of attitude. What fun recollections of weekend revelry I have of him and of course, his sidekick, Jim White. When I think of him, I always smile and remember him commenting to me about our high school memories being “a blast from the past”. I will continue to smile whenever I remember him. Blessings. Judy
Jaclyn West says
We’re so so sorry for your loss Rita and family! Praying for all,
Karen (Koepp) Rowan says
What fond memories I have of Cas from my high school days. A great guy filled with mischief and fun. It was certainly a meaningful time in my life. Rita and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP dear Cas.
doug bacon says
when i was a kid growing up in helena, cas was the coolest dude in town, no doubt! everytime i was around cas, he made me feel like i was his best friend, just how he was.