Steven John Claassen passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at the age of 64.
Steve was born on August 4, 1956, in San Diego, California, to John and Shirley Claassen. He spent much of his childhood on a farm in Minnesota before his family moved to Great Falls, Montana. Then spending the later years of his life in Helena, Montana.
Steve is survived by his lifelong love and best friend Kim, as well as his daughter Stephanie (Sean) and grandchildren Sean, Isabella and Titus. Jaime and Paul are a special part of his family with grandchildren Jace and Maycee. He is survived by his father John, sisters: Adaire (Randy), Rose (Tim) and LaDonna (Lance), along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son John and mother Shirley.
Steve loved his family. You could always find him playing basketball with his grandchildren in the driveway, playing soccer in the yard, watching SpongeBob because he had no choice, playing a good game of cards where no one cheated or having a root beer float at nine in the morning because that is what you did when you were at his house. Kim had to always make sure there was root beer and ice cream, just in case.
During the summer months you could always find him at the softball fields watching John, Stephanie and son in law Sean playing softball. And made sure he brought his camera to take pictures of his grandchildren playing their sports. It did not matter the weather or where the kids were playing, he would make sure he was there. And you knew he was there, he was their biggest cheerleader and supporter, he was never a quiet one.
Steve loved the outdoors: camping, fishing, hunting (looking for some good rocks on a slow day of hunting) and hiking. He loved to be outside and was always working on a project and looking forward to his next project.
Steve worked at Associated Foods Store Inc. for almost 30 years, he was going to retire this coming summer. He met some wonderful people along the way and made lifelong friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone and will be remembered by all.
Steve was the most special Dad, Son, Papa, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. He will be forever in our hearts. Forever and always.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Rose Wilson says
We will alway miss you but remember all the time we spent together. Hunting fishing and family time. You will never know how many people you touched. Love you alway til we meet again hug Mom and John Richard and send a message you still around.
LaDonna Darby says
I can’t believe that you are gone. You loved life to the fullest & your family meant everything. We spent many years hunting together- great memories that will be cherished. Give MOM & John Richard a giant hug.
Kim Parvinen says
I am sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. He was my boss for many years and my friend for many more. We were always going to go to lunch and catch up. I’m sad to say that didn’t happen. I will forever remember our friendship, laugh and even some arguments.( after all, families argue and he was like a family member) My the Lord embrace you all and help fill you with peace and comfort. May you memories soon outweigh your sorrows. God Bless you all.
June Hagadone says
Steve I am so sad you are gone. We talked about retirement every time we got together. That is all you talked about. Retirement and grandkids. I hope the grandkids know how much he loved them. I am so sorry he is gone. Wonderful man with a big heart.
Joe and Jeri Dalbec says
We loved our Son in Law, Steve, like our own. We have huge holes in our hearts and will miss him so much. RIP, Steve. Just such a wonderful person.
Vickie Riojas says
When you lived a few houses down in Bozeman, I would make a lemon meringue pie every August 4th for your birthday. This was a big deal since I don’t cook or bake! After you moved to Helena, I remembered your birthday even though the pie was never baked again. I talked to Kim every day when you got sick. We both thought she and Steph would be bringing you back home! I’m still in disbelief. I see pictures of you and the Grands and it makes me smile. You are already missed greatly!
Adaire Loberg says
I miss you in so many ways. My heart aches. 💔 I told you a couple weeks ago if I had a magic potion to make things better, I would have shared it a long time ago. But now all we have left are all the wonderful memories we made together since we were kids on the farm. Family has always been the most important priority in your life. Your beautiful grand kids were very lucky to have a Papa who cared so much. You made them feel special every day and in every way. What a great role model. I know in my heart, you and John were hunting on opening day Saturday. Give Mom a big hug from all of us. Love from deep within my heart😢❤️
Dave Schott and Family says
Our sympathy to Kim, Stephanie, and all of Steve’s family. We are sorry for your loss.
Anna Fleischfresser says
Steve I just can’t believe your gone. It been a few years since we saw you. I always remember when you, Dennis and Chuck came to see us. Uncle Rodger took you down to the Gay 90 downtown Mpls. You said I’m going to tell my Dad. It’s been 4 months ago since we lost our son Gary so we understand what a hole it leaves in the family.RIP you will be missed.
Joaquin Aguilar says
1st off, I want to send my thoughts & PRAYERS out to to Steve’s family. I only knew Steve for a short 15 years through a work association. The time I got to spend with Steve was always light, jovial,friendly & always willing to share his life & his life experience with others so they could enrich their life or work, through his life’s experiences. His focus was always on others and not his own personal gain. Even tho I never met his grand kids or family, I feel your loss because with his passing I feel a huge loss, not mainly for me, but for you, his loved ones that he talked endlessly about. The Times hunting, fishing, hiking or just walking his rifle, so his grandkids could harvest an animal with him was everything to him! He will be truly missed! Just as John 5:25-29 tells us, there will be a ressurection, and Steve Classen will be ressurected to stand again AMONG his loved ones!
Elaine Jarvi Poser says
Sending Kim and family hugs and prayers. So sad to hear this news. Steve, you will be missed by your family and friends. May God take you on your next path and may he wrap his arms around those left behind. May the wonderful memories created sustain everyone. God Bless.
Josh Treasure says
Steve was an amazing man. I had the opportunity to work with him for the past 6 years. He and my Father have known each other for quite some time. We know Steve will be cherished as he enters the gates to heaven. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to the family.
-Josh Treasure/Roxy’s Market
Robin Auchterlonie says
Kim. I am so sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. Anytime I passed him going up Scratch Gravel, hé would wave. I could tell he was a happy, loving, outgoing man. Hé will be missed. With Sympathy, Robin
Kevin McGovern says
I got to know Steve through AFS, and weekly phone calls. Such a nice guy, I really liked him. He talked a lot about his famiy, so proud of all of you! I wish he could have enjoyed retirement, but he lived a full life for the years he was here. God bless all of you, welcome to Heaven , Steve
Tom Kraft says
A guy with a personality and heart the size of Steve’s will be sorely missed. I was fortunate enough to be his co-worker and friend over the past 8 years. He’d shared often his passion for his Father, Kim, Stephanie, his son, sisters and their spouses, Kim’s family, and his grandchildren. When on the road with Steve, he was off the grid at 6:30 every morning so he could converse with his dad. Such respect and unfaltering loyalty. The void left with Steve’s untimely passing has really hit me. One can only imagine what it is like for those in the family who were so much closer to him day in and out. May God comfort you in this difficult transition. Steve, you still owe me dinner. Rest assured at some point I will collect. Rest peacefully…….Tom
Courtney Baker says
Papa Steve was one of a kind…. hug John Richard for all of us!! I will never forget you Steve. I love you!! Until we meet again… hug John lots for me💜💜💜
Connie Moore Stoneberg says
May your memories grow fonder and your pain eases with each passing day
April Rice says
Steve, you are already missed. The team has a huge hole without you part of us. You have been such an inspiration to your retailers. They cherished your input and they too will miss you. Thank you for being a valuable AFS family member. All the love and prayers out to your sweet family and may God be with them in this difficult time.
Brent Silcox says
So sorry for your loss. Shocking news of Steve’s passing. He was among the top in his trade and also as a wonderful man. I truly enjoyed the years I worked with him. He always spoke about his family and the love he had for them. I really loved the hunting stories he shared with me and the enjoyment he had for the hunt . RIP Steve you will be missed.
Randy Loberg says
We had many hunting, fishing, camping and motorcycle riding trips over the years. Was always good to connect up with you to spend time together. You taught me how to cut-up wild game which I’m still not good at!! You always loved playing practical jokes on family members as I remember quite a few!! You will be missed by everyone especially this time of year as hunting was one of your major passions. We will be able to hunt again in the future. Until that time rest in peace.
MARTY BERLIN says
Steve, learning of your passing has been a kick in the gut. I’ve known of you for a lot of years through various work associations, but really got to know you in the last 4 years at AFS. I know that you were a great family man and and that they meant everything to you. We butted heads a couple of times, but I always appreciated your passion for our retailers, your knowledge of the business, and your good nature. You will surely be missed.
Rest easy my friend.
Susan Ford says
This made me really sad to think of Steve passing on and that I won’t have anymore conversations with him.
He was such a kind man and truly loved his family. You will be missed, Steve….but I know you will enjoy “heaven”.
my love to your family,
Susan Ford
Gordon Daley says
I truly will miss working with Steve! I really enjoyed the time we were able to work side by side. They were good times and your passion for your stores and customers were obvious. I can understand that the same effort was also put toward your family as I read the comments of how much you loved them! I know you are at peace now and pray that your family finds peace at this time of loss.
Pam Bailey says
Still hard to believe…
I am blessed to share a Grandson together with Papa Steve. Jace has two very special Angels watching over him. I will miss my sideline buddy ♥️ Makes me so very sad
Ann and Gary Lynch says
Kim and family what a great neighbor! Will miss his back yard chats and waves. Love you guys.
Zan Treasure says
Steve, I’m going to miss you.
Your expertise and experience in retail and procurement was an incredible asset that few people in our business possess which you brought and shared with our team and your retailers. We all learned and benefited from our association with you.
I find peace in the memories and interactions we shared and pray for peace and comfort for your family.
God Bless
Ellen and Dominick Speranza says
Kim: We just heard about this today. I’m so sorry that I didn’t know before. Our hearts go out to you . We will miss waving hello to Steve as we drove up to the scratch gravel hills. Sometimes we’d even run into him in the scratch gravels and we were both out of breath from the hike! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If you ever need anything we are right down the street. God bless you.