Steven Blake Flansaas, 63, passed away on December 4, 2021, after losing his bet with cancer. Steve was born in Helena, MT on September 5, 1958 to Roy and Eleanor Flansaas.
Steve or Stubby, as he was known to his friends, graduated from Capital High School in 1976. He married the love of his life Darla Petersen on September 22, 1979 and they were best friends for over 45 years. Stubby was the owner and mechanic at Royal Automotive and if he wasn’t working on anything with a motor, he was talking about them. His family was always part of his life and they enjoyed camping, sledding, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers. Steve was a fan of NASCAR and a diehard Griz fan.
Steve is survived by his wife Darla, his daughter Amber (Aaron) Sark and son Tanner (Teresa) Flansaas. He dearly loved his grandchildren Shelby Sark and Brenner Sark also of Helena. Steve is also survived by his brother Greg (Colleen) Flansaas and his sisters Kari (Mark) Reighard of Deer Lodge and Gail Martin of Missoula. His parents in-law Gary and Pearl Petersen, and brother’s in-law Dana Petersen and Damon (Tina) Petersen of Helena also survived him. Steve had many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him dearly.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Eleanor Flansaas.
A celebration of Stubby’s life will be held at Jorgenson’s Banquet Room, 1720 11th Avenue Helena, MT on December 11, 2021 at 1 p.m. The family asks that those attending bring your favorite memories and Steve’isms to share.
Memorials in honor of Steve may be sent to the charity of choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday December 11, 2021
Jorgenson's Banquet Room
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday December 11, 2021
Jorgenson's Banquet Room
1720 11th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Sandi Benson says
Darla and family,
We are sorry to read this news. Steve was a great person always sharing a smile and laugh. He will be missed by many. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. Dan and Sandi
Valerie Flansaas says
Darla I am so sorry to hear this. Holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Val
Terry Senecal says
Darla – So sorry to hear about Steve – Miss seeing you guys over the hill – sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Jackie says
Darla, it has been awhile since we have spoken but please know that you have always been a part of my life.
I remember Steve pulling up at the Walnut house in the GT! You, two, always loved one another so much!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Juhl says
Darla so sorry to hear of Stubbys passing, I have a lot of snowmobiling memories with both of you……..
Leslee and Wayne Effertz says
Darla, Amber, Tanner and families…we are so sorry to hear about Steve. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sandy Smith says
I am so, so sorry. Dave and I have many, many wonderful memories of all the times (good and bad) that we have shared over the years – camping, snowmobiling, 4-wheeling, hot tubbing at his parents house and yours, football, and many others. Let me know how I can help.
Dwight & Jane Bernard says
Darla, we are both saddened and so very sorry to hear about Steve. Just the other day I was thinking of the both of you and how things were going. Then later I heard the very sad news. Steve always brought a smile to my face with his wit and story telling. We will miss him so very much. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. If there is anything we can do to help please let us know.
Jody Sandru says
Rick and I are deeply saddened by Steve’s passing. Darla, I’ll never forget when you fell for Steve! It was a match made in heaven. He was so great to my mom and dad and worked on their cars for 30+ years. Sending our heartfelt sympathy during this fragile time! Love Rick and Jody
Vicki Ruzicka says
Oh Darla we are just so sorry hearing this news. Our prayers are with you and Amber and Tanner. May you find some peace at this time.
Della Dobbins says
Darla, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news about Stubby. I have alot of great memories of us all. Keep your head up and your memories close to your heart. I will talk to you soon.
Love ya
Della
Joellen Hamm Barbagello says
Darla,
You are in our prayers.
Joellen
Bob Biskupiak says
Darla,
So so sorry for your loss. Most of my memories are of high school, but they are awesome! We had a pretty rowdy crew and enjoyed so much time together! Respect!
Bob and Carrie
Michael norris says
Darla so sorry to hear about stubby. Was such a great guy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pat Flinders says
So so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. Sending my thoughts and prayers. Hugs. Pat Flinders
SCOTT MOE says
Darla and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss, Stubby was a great man. He was full of knowledge and I was always happy to see him as he was full of humor. He will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Moe
David Simac says
Darla and family. Thinking of you guys in these trying times. First met Steve in high school. Always a smile on his face. Steve will be remembered as a great person. Take care you guys. Chris and David Simac
Karen Lundin says
Darla,
I’m so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Karen
Suzanne Marie Wilke says
Darla, Amber and family, I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Many prayers are with you.
Sue Wilke
BRETT DEARING says
Darla & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories growing up in Grizzly Gulch and looking up to Steve. He was a good friend to my brother Guy. I remember him always smiling and joking he had such a nice calm demeanor. He will be missed. -Brett Dearing
Mark Kasperick says
Darla and Family – So sorry for your loss and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Colleen Teberg says
Darla, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Terry Thomas says
Darla and Family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Stubby. I have great memories of all of our adventures! From the jet boat days, to trips to Spokane for the drag races, to many hunting trips with Steve! Stubby will be dearly missed by all that knew him. I will never forget his “Well…I’ll tell ya what stories” !! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lynn Cochran says
Darla Jane, I’m so sorry about Steve! We had so much fun on all our high school adventures. He had a great sense of humor and always looked out for everyone. Such a nice guy! I know you all will miss him terribly but after reading all these comments, it’s wonderful to have so many great memories. My best to you and the family…many hugs and blessings.
Kim McDowell says
Darla,
Jeff and I just heard about Steve. We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Take care of yourself pretty lady.
Jeff and Kim McDowell
Morgan Maynard says
Take care, Darla. My best happy thoughts are with you.
Lynn (Sturn) and Tom Cambell says
Dear Darla and family, so sad to hear about Steve! May family, faith and happier memories bring you peace at this hard time! Stay strong
Lynn (Sturn) and Tom Campbell says
Darla and family, so sad to hear about Steve! May family, faith and happier memories give you peace! Prayers to you and your family
Krista Votaw Poppema says
Darla and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always cherish our many years of cheering on our Griz together. Singing Sweet Caroline will forever remind me of Steve. My heart hurts for you all! Praying for peace and comfort.
Kathy McGowan says
Jim and I were sorry to hear this. Steve took care of our vehicles for decades! I’m horrified to think how long it was. He helped us through many vehicles, ours, kids’ and so forth. Always so steady and reliable.
Jim & Denise Backstrom says
Darla and family. So sorry to hear about Stubby. He was way too young. Sending you thoughts, prayers & hugs for your loss. Always remember the “happy times”.
Maureen says
Darla, sending our thoughts and prayers. There are so many fun memories growing up; camping, snowmobiling… I treasure those. May you find comfort in the days ahead. Love, Maureen & Bruce and family
Jo and Paul Bryson says
We are so sorry to hear about your loss
. Holding space for you as your grieve and sending so much love and compassion. 
Maria Tromly says
Darla,
I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was such a fun and nice guy. I will always think of him at the Griz games.
Billy passed away a year ago September. It is hard right now for you and family but time does heal and you will always have your wonderful memories.
James & Elly Driggers says
Steve worked on my vehicles, mostly my old trucks, and kept them running for many years. He always took the time to explain how things worked and what needed to be done to the vehicles. He had amazing persistence in diagnosing a mechanical problem and finding a solution for it. He was always fair with me and was my trusted mechanic. I will miss him greatly.
Jennifer K Schade says
Sweet Darla and Family,
I just heard about “Stubby”. I cannot begin to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories be a blessing. Jennifer