Stephen A. Blaskovich passed away March 4, 2025, following a courageous 14 month battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, who were blessed by his life of 66 years.
Steve was born in Anaconda, MT on October 7, 1958 to Stephen and Evelyn Blaskovich. He grew up in the family home on Oak Street, attending St. Paul’s Catholic school, and graduating from Anaconda Senior High in 1977. He obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from Montana Tech in 1981, and continued on to receive his Master of Science in 1982. In 1993, he was awarded a US Patent for developing an improved process of the refining of bismuth.
Steve began his 40 year Metallurgical Engineering career at Asarco, Inc. in Tacoma Washington, and was quickly transferred to El Paso, TX. In 1983, he married the love of his life, Patti Walund Blaskovich in the stunning setting of St. Timothy’s Chapel at Georgetown Lake. In El Paso, they were blessed with the first of their 3 children, Michael Stephen, in 1985. The young family soon transferred to Kearney, AZ, where son Colin Anthony was born in 1987. Steve’s career then took the family to Omaha, NE, in 1990. While there, they were blessed with a daughter, Kiley Jo, on Christmas Day, 1995. Shortly after, he was transferred yet again, this time back to Montana to the East Helena smelter.
Following the closure of that operation, the family moved to Billings, where Steve went to work for Stillwater Mining. Steve and Michael were fortunate enough to work together at Stillwater in Columbus and Nye in 2004. When he accepted a new position with Newmont Mining in Winnemucca, NV, he decided the family had moved around enough, and selflessly decided he would commute back and forth, and create a permanent home in Helena to be near the newest family member, granddaughter Harper. That proved to be a good decision, as he was transferred again, this time to Cripple Creek, CO. He retired from Newmont in 2020, after a long and illustrious career. Steve was a brilliant and well-respected engineer, specializing in Project Management. His massive projects always came in on time and under budget, and were always successfully executed.
Steve’s greatest love was his family. Being a husband, father and grandfather meant everything to him, and he always put family first. Steve and Patti relished time with their children, and happily took them everywhere they went. They had many adventures living in various areas of the country, but Montana was always home. Steve was a passionate MSU Bobcat fan, rarely missing a football game, even when he had to drive 12 hours one way to get there. He loved the outdoors and the mountains, enjoying camping, hiking, fishing, and scenic drives.
Steve is survived by his wife of 41 years, Patti, of Montana City; son Michael of Denver, CO; son Colin, daughter-in-law Courtney, and granddaughter Harper of Clancy; and daughter Kiley of Helena. He is also survived by his sister Kathy (Bill) McLaughlin, and niece Shannon, as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews.
Steve was a man of great strength and character. They don’t come any better than him. He was deeply loved and will be missed every day. Memorials in Steve’s honor may be sent to the Prickly Pear Land Trust.
A funeral service will be held at 12pm on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. Following the service, interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A reception will be held back at the funeral home after the conclusion of the interment. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 PM
Thursday March 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday March 13, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday March 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
12:00 PM
Thursday March 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Burial
Following the Memorial Service
Thursday March 13, 2025
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Thursday March 13, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Share
Connie Ryan says
Sending our love and condolences to Patti, Michael,Colin,Courtney,Harper and Kiley.
We love you guys so much. Steve will be greatly missed. Rest in peace,Steve🙏🏼
Connie and Ray
Dan Vuckovich says
I am so sorry to hear about Steve passing, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan & Verna Vuckovich
Paul McLean says
So sorry to hear about Steve’s passing. A lot of high school memories come to mind. Great memories. He was a fine friend years ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Patti and the whole family. God bless. – Paul and Sheila McLean
Valerie Walund says
The loss of our dear brother-in-law profoundly saddens us. We fondly remember Christmas Eve parties with Steve and hiking Mount Haggin. Steve will always be remembered as a soft-spoken gentleman who nurtured his family with love. God bless his soul and his family. Jim and Val
Lisa G says
Sending love and prayers to Patti and her family as they transition to a life without Steve. I’ve heard good things about him and he’ll be missed by his children and his wife and extended family.
Marsha McDede Alsbury says
So sorry to hear of your loss! I am sending love and prayers for all.
Katy Derzay says
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful father and husband. You are all in my prayers.
Jim and Shelly Fortune says
Cousins are your first friends and your forever friends. Treasuring memories from our childhood days to now. I’ll always treasure time spent with you. Patty, Michael, Colin, Kiley, Courtney, Harper, your in our thoughts
Scott and Vickie Zeier says
Steve was a wonderful person and good friend. Our prayers are with Patti, their kids and all of his family
Vicki Laughlin says
My deepest sympathy to Patti, Michael, Colin, Courtney, Harper and Kiley. Your husband and father loved you deeply. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. He was also a great brother in law who we loved. Our entire family will miss him forever. Rest in Peace Steve.
Kathrine Anderson says
So very sorry at your loss Patti. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Cheryl Menahan says
I’m so sorry for your loss of Steve. Condolences to you and your family and friends 😢💐🕯️🕊️✝️🙏🏼🤟🏼❤️🤗
Ken and Sandra Walund says
Our brother in law Steve will be missed greatly. Holiday get togethers will never be the same. Rest in peace Steve. We love you Patti, Michael, Colin, Courtney, Harper and Kiley.
Love Ken, Sandra and Brett
Noah Walund says
I am so sorry for your loss , you guys have my deepest condolences: Patti, Michael, Colin, Courtney, Harper, and Kiley. I didn’t talk much to Steve growing up. But I know he was very proud of the young man I have become. I will miss him .
Grace, Bob & Brit Berger says
Patti and kids. I’m so saddened to hear this. Our prayers are with you.
Christopher Mackay says
Patti, my heart goes out to you and your family during this time of great loss. May Steve’s memory be a blessing to all of you.
Phil and Susan Burnett says
Patti, our prayers are with you and your family. So sorry for your loss. As was said “ They don’t come any better than him”.
Cathie Shaw says
Patti and family, I send my condolences and prayers at the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I am sorry I never got to meet Steve, but thankful for the pictures and memories you shared with us on FB.
Tony Laughlin says
Steve was a model citizen, husband, and father. In his day he was an excellent basketball player for the Copperheads. My condolences to his family.
Gail Moloney says
Steve, our beloved brother in law, will be missed and his passing leaves a emptiness in our family. He will be missed by all who knew him for the kind and thoughtful man he was. Patti and family, we are all here for you in this profoundly sad time. Rest in peace Steve.
Joseph A Wilhelm says
Steve and I worked together both in El Paso and Hayden. He was an outstanding coworker and friend. My deepest sympathy to his entire family.
Sincerely, Joe Wilhelm
Marcia Allen says
Patti and Family, I am saddened by this news. I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences to all of you.
Doug Finstad says
Patti and family, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was always a great friend and mentor at the smelter in East Helena. I really enjoyed the time I spent with him in the Elkhorns hunting and four wheeling. He was truly a great man.
Lisa Guelda says
So sorry for your loss !
I have good memories of Steve when I lived in Montana. You and Steve helping me through an emotional time. My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family ❤️
Traci Turner says
Dear Patti and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for your family. I know you have many wonderful memories to cherish and hold close to your heart. You are all in my thought and prayers 🙏❤️
Kathy, Bill & Shannon McLaughlin says
Dear Patti, Michael, Colin, Kiley, Courtney, & Harper: We will always cherish the last few years when life slowed down enough for us to spend time with Steve and your family. The time we spent together, talking on the phone, and texting brought back great memories of shared adventures and the simple things that make a brother and sister relationship special. He enjoyed and loved all of you, with all his heart. We are so sorry.
All our love,
Kathy, Bill & Shannon McLaughlin
Barbara Boyd Roberts says
Patty, please accept my sincere condolences at Steve’s passing. Steve was truly one of the good guys. I so enjoyed his friendship from 1st grade at St. Paul’s thru AHS. I hope all your wonderful memories of Steve will help you process and get through this hard time.
Marilyn Chor Downing says
Patti – my dear friend, you and Steve built such a beautiful life together. I watched you throughout the years as you became friends, started dating, got married, and Michael, Colin, Kiley, Courtney and Harper were added to your story. I know nothing made Steve happier than being with you and the kids. He loved you all so much. Words cannot express how sorry I am for the terrible loss of this wonderful man. I know you’ll treasure your memories of him forever. Sending you much love and many prayers.
Benjamin Soukup says
My love and thoughts are with you all now, and I hope you can find some comfort and relief after this heartbreaking loss.
While I only knew Steve briefly, I am grateful to have known him and his wonderful family. Steve was always so friendly, kind, and inviting. I admit that I admired the man, the family he raised, and his great character. What a story, what a legacy, what a guy!
Judy Blaz says
So sorry for your loss. Went to school with Steve from first grade through graduation and he was a very kind soul. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Abby Laughlin says
Patti & family.
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother and brother in law.
Steve was a kind man and he will be missed greatly.
Sending you all healing.
Miranda Parisi says
So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers sent to your family.
Deb Barone says
Patti,
So sorry for you and your family’s loss.
I didn’t know Steve well, but remember him
from school as a gentle soul.
Stacey Smith says
Patti and family,
Sending love, light and prayers!
(Stacey Cook Smith)
Ted Polette says
Dear Family,
I am so sorry for your loss and the deep void that it leaves in your lives. As Winnie the Pooh said, “If there ever comes a time when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart and I will stay there forever.” Every time he is mentioned, Steve lives on by sharing his life and impact on all who knew him. Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories and may Steve’s garden bloom forever! You are in my prayers.