Harvey Allen Steen passed away peacefully in Helena February 8, 2023, with his wife Ila by his side. He was 91.
Harvey was born to Harriet (Zieger) and Forrest Steen in Hinsdale, Montana, August 9, 1931. He lived on the family farm until age 6 when the family moved into town. He was a Hinsdale High School graduate, 1949, and attended Northern Montana College for 2 years.
He served in the US Army from 1951-1954 where he trained at Camp Roberts, California, and later served in Germany. In 1960 he met his future wife Ila Vantries in Great Falls at a United Methodist Young Adult Group. They married in 1962 in Denver, Colorado, and later moved to southern California.
He returned to his home state and earned his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Montana. In 1966 they had a son, Gregory Glen Steen, Great Falls. The family moved to Helena where he began a career as an accountant with the State of Montana. Shortly after, the family began to attend St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In 1968 son, Kurt Allen Steen was born in Helena.
In 1970 Harvey served as a founding member of the Helena chapter of the
International Association of Y’s Men’s Service Clubs. Over the next 50 years he served as President, Regional Director and held other national offices. He and Ila traveled to Norway, East Africa, and East Asia as ambassadors of the Service Club. Their club performed annual fundraisers, provided scholarships and maintenance for YMCA Camp Child.
Throughout the kids’ childhoods, Dad served as a coach and leader for their sports activities and Boy Scout troop. He never missed a day in helping them with their morning paper routes. In 1991 he retired from the State of Montana.
Their son Greg married Kathy Boeckman in 1991 in College Station, Texas. Greg and Kathy settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico and have four children Kyle, Kevin, Katelyn and Kaleb. In 2000 their son Kurt married Shyla Zellman. They settled in Davis, California and have two daughters, Kyla and Danica.
Harvey enjoyed his family, friends, service to the YMCA, church functions,
history, basketball, travel, and a love of his forever-home Montana.
Harvey is preceded in death by his sister Mary Luella and his brother
Forrest Russell. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Ila, both his sons
and their families, his sister Kitty Lou Rusher of Glasgow, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logan Street, with a reception in the Fellowship Hall of the Church. A burial with military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Helena YMCA or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 27, 2023
Saint Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Tuesday June 27, 2023
The Fellowship Hall of the Church
512 Logan St.
East Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 27, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 27, 2023
Saint Paul's United Methodist Church
512 Logan St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Service
Tuesday June 27, 2023
The Fellowship Hall of the Church
512 Logan St.
East Helena, Montana 59601
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday June 27, 2023
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd.
Helena, Montana 59636
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Mark & Betsy Jermstad says
Deepest condolences to the family. Harvey was my uncle by marriage to my aunt Ila. He was always so kind and generous to me. Great memories of vacations and family gatherings in Minnesota. Truly a life well lived. He had all his priorities in the right place. Rest in Peace and enjoy your heavenly reward.
Mark & Betsy Jermstad
Temple, TX
Julie (Stinchfield) DeMars says
Greg and family, so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Mary Ann George says
Ila. I am so sad to hear of Harvey’s passing. We have such great memories of our time spent with the Helena Y’s Men’s Club. I can still remember when you and he recruited us so many years ago. His dedication to service was such an asset to the YMCA and Camp Child over the years.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Mary Ann
CASSANDRA D MORRISON says
Steen Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you all strength, love, and prayers.
Barbara Kline/Jim Hammond says
Greg and Kathy, I am sorry for your loss. I am glad you have each other for support, and Jim and I will be praying for your comfort and peace during this very difficult time. Let us know if we can help in any way.
Bill Elliott says
Dear Greg,
I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest condolences.
Ken Abrahamson says
Steen Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
Ken & Penny
CJ Johnson says
Greg, Kathy, and Steen Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Stay strong and know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Phillip Vigil says
Greg & Kathy, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you & your family at the loss of your father.
Phil & Roseanna
Angela Ewing says
Thinking and praying for you.
Shyla T Zellman-Steen says
We love you always
Dad, Grandpa ❤️
Kurt, Shyla, Kyla& Danica
Howard A Pippin says
My prayers are with his family, especially his sister Kitty Lou, such a good friend.