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Lawrence Steffes Obituary
A vigil service is 7 p.m. Sunday, with visitation an hour prior, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Funeral Liturgy is 11 a.m. Mon-day at Holy Spirit, preceded by visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and followed by burial in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Schnider Fu-neral Home is handling arrange-ments.
Larry was married to his high-school sweetheart, Mary, for 48 years. He was a 1960 graduate of Great Falls Central Catholic High School, where he and Mary became soul mates. Following high school, he served briefly and received an honorable medical discharge from the United States Marine Corps in 1960.
He then carried on the family business as an independent residential contractor, a business he owned and operated for 30 years. The last position he held was as a bus driver for Great Falls Transit, where he worked for 11 years. Larry was a jack of all trades - and master of most. He was an excellent carpenter and businessman, and a constant jokester and prankster. He was an analytical expressionist and independent man.
He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, grandfa-ther, brother and friend, who was always unique and genuine in his thoughts and actions. He was a man who never met a stranger, gave everyone a fair shake and found entertainment in his deal-ings with others. He enjoyed winning, softball, billiards, bowl-ing, hunting, fishing, board and card games, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and most of all, laughing!
Larry also is remembered for his constant joking around; his good deeds to others, which often were done quietly; his dedication to family and church, and his devout faith. Larry will be dearly missed and remembered by everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Laverne Steffes of Great Falls, Mont.; sons Michael A. Steffes and his wife Debi of Fort Benton, Mont., and James D. Steffes and his wife Amelia of Great Falls; a daughter, Karen M. Steffes-Graves and her husband Fred of Prattville, Ala.; grandchildren Kaitlyn, Ellie, Austin, Jessica, Kathryn, Olivia, Josephine, Jordan and Grace (also his godchild); his twin sister, Sister Patricia Steffes of Davenport, Iowa; his brother, John Steffes and his wife Ginny of Brooklyn Center, Minn.; and his sister, Jean Steffes of Great Falls.
Memorials in his name may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 201 44th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59401.
Condolences may be posted online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Steffes
Sponsored by Mike, Karen and Jim.
February 8, 2015
Dearest Bud, I did not think that I could miss you so much. You made my cancer trip actually hillarious when you and Mary visited me in the hospital. I could never realize that I would cry so much when I knew I would never see you again. My prayers are always with you, Mary, and the kids. Did you ever realize how many people love you? Love from your sis, Jean.
Jack Hartz
June 17, 2011
Dear Mary, Mike, Karen & Jim,
I was so sorry to hear about Larry's passing away. He was truly a gem and a grand fellow. He was so kind,generous, loving and had a huge sense of humor - more that enough to go around. I particularly remember the kindness and friendship over the years you and Larry extended to my parents, Chester and Lorraine Hartz, especially when they lived at the Park Place. I know Larry will be missed - cherish the memories, our thoughts are with you. All our love,
Jack & Lynn Hartz
Kevin Powers
June 9, 2011
I will miss my Uncle Bud dearly. He was always very good to me as I grew up, and always one to put a smile on my face. My prayers will be going up to you, Uncle Bud, as well as for Aunt Mary, Mike, Karen, and Jim. I miss and love you all very much.
Tim Horan
June 7, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to all the family and friends of Larry. A page of my history has closed as John and Larry were childhood friends.
Calvary Chapel of Great Falls
June 7, 2011
Dear Mary and Family,
You have our sincere condolences as you grieve Larry's passing and suffer the pain of such great loneliness; what wonderful blessings he bestowed through his lifetime of devoted love and joyful service. May your hearts be renewed through the tender comfort and boundless love of the Lord, Jesus Christ, let Him be your shelter through this storm and the light of your life.
Carole Ann and Jerry Clark
June 7, 2011
Mary and family,
Condolences. You are in our prayers. Jerry used to take the bus to work most days and really enjoyed when Larry was his driver. A smile and off-the-wall joke would make his day.
Friends in Christ,
Elaine & Don Miller
June 6, 2011
Mary and family,
Our hearts reach out to you in prayer. Last night at the Vigil I would have loved to share that Larry always said, "There is a GOSPEL ACCORDING TO LARRY, YOU KNOW!" I am certain there was. Such a wonderful, kind and awesome man! He'll be greatly missed! He always made us laugh. What a gift!
Jerry & Judy Hiatt
June 5, 2011
Mary, Mike, Karen & Jim & families: If it helps to know we share your loss, then we certainly do! Larry was very dear to our hearts also. Oh, how we will miss his ever present smile and sense of humor. Larry was a very kind hearted person and he and Mary have been there for us many times and in many ways. Our hearts go out to all of you who are grieving your loss and we pray that God will grant you comfort in the form of many happy memories. Many Hugs to all of you and May God Bless and comfort you! Jerry & Judy Hiatt
Rebecca Knight
June 5, 2011
Mrs. Mary
I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss, as I used to work with you at Hardee's on tenth and also your husband was a great man.. I got to know him by riding the Great Falls Transit through my high years. Thank you for your support in transportation for the community of Great Falls. You will be surely be missed. My prayers will be with you and your family. Rest in peace forever more Larry...
Love Rebecca Knight
Alice Klundt
June 5, 2011
Mary, I was just so shocked when I heard the news of Larry's death. When I last saw him the end of April I knew he wasn't well, but somehow you expect things to get better. I can't even begin to imagine the hole in yur heart. Larry was such a wonderful man, who loved you so deeply, he will be missed greatly. I am still on a disaster assignment or I would be there with you to celebrate his life. With sympathy, alice
Kathy Nyman-Wendt
June 5, 2011
Mary, I am catching up with news at our hotel computer while on vacation, and I cried when I saw Larry's name and picture. My heart breaks for you and your family. Theresa is with me, and she'll be shocked and saddened to learn of Larry's passing. Larry was such a dear in so many special ways. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Haney Prevett
June 4, 2011
Steffes Family- So sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Georgia Smith/Hawko GFC Class of '59
June 4, 2011
You are in my prayers.
Dr. Buer's office
June 3, 2011
Larry was a wonderful man and he will be missed at our office. He always wore a smile and had such a great spirit. Prayers are sent for Mary and the family to take care.
judy clothier now Siewert
June 3, 2011
I worked with Larry at Eagles Monor Retirement home,Larry treated everyone with respect and care, The people who lived there could count on Larry to make thier room a home , Larry thank you for giving me a fathers advise of what true love is . The love you had for Mary was a true testimony of what real love is and thanks to you and JoJO
guiding me I now have a wonderful life. Mary we met a couple of times and I want you to know Larry was such a joy to be around his love for you was shown in words and actions. Always fun at breaktime to hear of your trips to disneyland. I pray i am able to be the wife you were to Larry to my husband . May God comfort you at this time,
Judy
Doug and Vicki Paulson Anderson
June 3, 2011
Vicki and I were deeply saddened when we learned of Larry's passing. We always enjoyed being with him; he was always the center of the party and full of joy. I also had the opportunity to share many serious, thoughtful conversations with the man. He will be missed at future family reunions. Our condolences and love to Mary and other immediate family members.
June 3, 2011
working with larry at the transit was a joy we could always count on larry for a good laugh. The place wasn't the same when he left [to quiet] He will truely be missed. We'll take a rear-view mirror off a bus in his memory. rest in peace my friend .GOD BLESS ROBERT& CHARLOTT
BOONE
Mike and Lorry Todd
June 3, 2011
Larry was one of the "Great Guys" of the world, which will be a less bright place without him. Our condolances to Mary and the children.
Lynn Rounds Skillman
June 3, 2011
Hold your memories and each other close. God chose Larry early, perhaps the better to watch over you all from above.
My prayers are with you.
Dennis Mayberry
June 3, 2011
He always had a joke to tell. He was always in a good mode. He will be missed.
Karen Steffes-Graves
June 3, 2011
My brothers and I, on behalf of our mom, want to say thank you for everyone's support. We will miss dad enormously! There is truly an empty space in this world without him.
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