He would have farmed for 82 more years had God not called him home. Harlin Steiger, 82, of Forsyth died on Saturday, March 4, 2017, at the farm he and his wife Jodi built. Harlin, the 3rd oldest of 10 children, was born on August 14, 1934, at his family’s farm in Glenham, SD, to Albert A. Steiger and Elizabeth Neumiller Steiger. The Dust Bowl moved his family to a new farm in Billings, MT when he was four. He spent the whole of his youth working that place—sometime in bare feet, sometimes beside German POWs, and always beside his family. He attended Baseline Country School and Senior High School. Following graduation, he attended MSU in Bozeman before moving to Custer, MT, in 1952 and the first farm he would work as an adult.
On New Year’s Eve, 1955, he married his love and life’s companion, Joan “Jodi” Larson at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Billings, MT. To this union three children were born: Dallas, Carla, and Teresa (Terry). In 1961, the family moved near Forsyth to the farm he and Jodi dubbed “The Golden Goose,” the farm he would love for the rest of his years.
It’s been said that Harlin could grow 40 ton beets on a black-top highway. Truly, farming, family, and fun were his primary passions, and no one could combine the three quite like him. Harlin was a progressive thinking farmer; he loved to find a new crop—some grew better than others, but his failures never flagged his ambitions. Persistently curious, Harlin sought new ideas and saw them through. Among these were an ethanol plant in Manhattan and S & T Trucking and The C-Club nightclub in Forsyth. He also shared his experience and passion on several boards including the Tax Appeal Board, Western Sugar Beet Association Board, YID Ditch Board, Federal Land Bank Board, Forsyth Hospital Board, and the Montana Bank Board.
His curiosity led him and Jodi to, among other things, bike New Zealand, cruise Fiji, sail the Caribbean on a rented boat, and tour Thailand. While he loved his Golden Goose, his desire to grow led him to Canada, Belize, and Australia looking for new farms to develop.
Over the years, he ran at least 15 marathons and logged over 25,000 miles with long-time running buddies. More than 50 racing awards hang in his cabinet. He was a member of the High Ten Sugar Producer Club for many years and the recipient of many agricultural awards, including the 1986 Forsyth Area Chamber of Commerce and Agricultural Person of the Year Award. In 2003, he was named Outstanding Agricultural Leader by MSU College of Agriculture.
From the time he was a boy, he wanted to be a dryland farmer. When he was 65, he handed his 1,000 acres of irrigated ground down in exchange for 3,000 acres of dryland. In his version of retirement, he climbed to the top of his grain bins, just to sit up there and enjoy the view.
During his long and illustrious career, he bore witness to a great transition in agriculture. From plowing the fields with horses to precision guided tractors direct seeding crops, Harlin was there. He knew that every success in his life was helped along by the mentors of his youth, and he enjoyed paying that forward. He loved sharing all he’d learned with anyone who shared his passion. His legacy includes two generations of farmers that follow him in his craft and many friends and family members. He is survived by the most charming woman in his life, his wife Jodi; three children Dallas (Cindy) Steiger, Carla (Glen) Leonhardt, and Terry (Duane) Mahlum; 9 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; 5 sisters and 2 brothers. He has joined his Mama and Daddy, and brothers, Duane and Roger in Heaven.
In lieu of memorials, the family would appreciate any information on “The Black Sea Horses.”
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday March 8, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday March 8, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Sharon Wetsch says
OH my, I am so sorry to see that Harlan has passed . He was a neat person and dedicated runner. Our community has lost one of our best. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time…
Lori Ferguson Reierson says
To all Harlan’s family I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you all.
George & Jan Simmons says
To all of Harlin’s family please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Think of your many wonderful memories as you mourn his loss.
Lynn Tompkins says
Such a great person. My thought and prayers are with you all
Diana Robinette says
Sending my prayers and thought to all the family.
Joby & Bill Parker says
Dear Jodi and family,
Bill and I are so very sorry hear of Harlen’s passing. He was a hardworking and good man. Prayers to all the family and deepest sympathy.
gary and pat helm says
JODY AND FAMILY, WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT HARLIN. PLEASE KNOW WE ARE THINGING ABOUT YOU AND OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Waneeta Farris says
Jodi and family,
We were saddened when we heard of the loss of Harlin. I was thinking of how many years I have known your family, and goodness how time flies. When Harlin was on the banks Board of Directors I got to know him better and I realized even more how intelligent he was and how much he loved his family and his farm. The Howard community will miss him as will everyone who was fortunate enough to know Harlin and call him friend. He made a difference in this world and is probably thinking about how he can diversify Heaven. Thank God for Memories, wrap your heart around them, that is what will get you through this difficult time. Hugs to All.
Waneeta and Virgil
Dave and Donna Lloyd says
Sorry to hear of Harlin’s passing. A good man gone. Sympathy to the family.
Dave and Donna Lloyd
Larry Brence says
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. I got to know Harlin and the Steiger family a bit when I was the county agent there in the mid 90’s. Not knowing much about irrigated agriculture, I always enjoyed the chance to visit with Harlin and upgrade my knowledge base. When Harlin wasn’t farming or running he was always in the truck. Driving between Miles City and Billings you get to know the trucks that travel that stretch of road and Harlin was usually always among them. He was a physical marvel as well. I’m not sure if the story is true, but someone told me once his truck ran out of fuel and he just stepped out of his truck, put on his running shoes and ran the 20 miles to find a gas can. Quite a guy. He will be missed.
Barry Jacobsen says
Dear Jodi, Dallas, Carla and Terry, and families, my condolences to all off you and I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost a dear friend and mentor. Harlan taught me so much and I have so respected the wisdom of my friend. He was one of the wisest people I have ever known and we shared a love for the land and those who care for it. I am sorry I cannot be with you at this time as I am in Arizona and travel home in time is prohibitive. When I return in April I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful memories. My love and prayers are with you all. Barry
Jerome Rusdal says
Thanks for all the miles Harlin! I think about them often
Dwayne Albertson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I remember fun times at the C Club. Great memories.
Dwaine & Cathy Morris says
Jodi, Carla, Dallas, Terry and families, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Paul Mc Danold says
To the Steiger family
God must have been short of farmers so he decided to take the best. Just know we are thinking of you all.
Paul & Juanita
Rose Marie Mason says
To the Steiger Family
We send our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Gene and Rose Marie Mason
Steve Jessen says
Jodi:
It was good to run with Harlin!
Richard and Susan (Strand) Joy says
Jodi, Carla and family,
So sorry to learn of Harlins passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gail and Mark says
Jodi, sitting here out here in the Bahama Bank waiting out a blow and the internet, by some miracle worked like a charm this morning, but not so glad it did! My heart broke for you when I saw this. My love to you, all the kids and especially those little bitty ones that will never know the warmth and kindness of their great grandpa. You and Harlan were a great team and I could tell you two loved every minute of being in that team! My lve and thoughts to all of you, I wish I could hug you❣
Lynnae Hecht Rusch says
So sorry to hear of your loss.You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Don & Becky Criswell says
So sorry to hear Jodi and family. Harlin was truly a great man. He will be missed by all those that knew him.
Prayers to you all~
Marilyn Brown says
I’m so sorry to hear about Harlin. I am a friend of his sister Elaine and brother-in-law Raj and have heard many stories about the Steiger family over the past 50 years. If I get to Montana to visit I know it would feel like home. My love and prayers to all the Steiger families.
Penny McPherson says
To all of Harlin’s family, my prayers in this time of sorrow, keep all of your good memories forefront at this time to ease your hurt. He was a great man!
Debi Rapstad says
I was so sorry to hear about Harlin. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, including me! My prayers and thoughts to all of you. Take care.
Jackie and Rick Jacobson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts go out to all the family. God bless
Sue and Jim Hicks says
Oh Jodi, we are so sorry for your loss. Harlin seemed such a gentle man and his love for you was unmistakable. Our hearts will be with you in the days to come.
Lance and Candace Larson says
Jodi and family, we are so sorry to hear about Harlin. We are praying for all of you. May GOD’s presence bring comfort and may your memories bring joy.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Harlin was a good man.
Pam and Joe Ash says
Our prayers are with you. Harlin was among the best.
Tom & Brenda Clifford says
Harlan was a great man. Our thoughts are with you !
Jack and Julia Ferguson says
To Harlens family sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for everyone
Jim Adams says
I enjoyed many miles of running with Harlin. We ran in several races together. I always thought of him as the most progressive farmer I knew. He worked hard but took the time to look after his health and enjoyed traveling. He will be missed by all but hopefully all will find peace in knowing he loved the life he had.
Rick Smith says
I did not know Harlin — never even heard of him. But today my life was made better in learning about his. A beautiful life lived. A beautiful example of a human being. Condolences to his family and friends.
Jessie and Jim Leidholt says
Dear Jodi and family, so sorry for your loss, he was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. We saw that he had the same twinkle in his eyes as a baby that he had as an adult, just looking for the next fun thing. Made the world a better place.
Keith and Cheryl Fuhrman says
To Harlons family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Tana Keeler Pippin says
So many wonderful memories with the Steiger Family. I am so sorry for your loss of Harlin. Prayers for you all.
Wayne & Lane Buck says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Harlin. What a amazing man he will be missed by all.You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Grace Larson says
With Deep Sympathy to Jodi and Family.
Sharon Engle says
Jodi and family,
Sincere Sympathy, you have wonderful memories.
Sharon Engle
Mike Choriki says
Harlin was one helluva guy. He touched many lives beyond his family and will be missed and remembered by many. I was blessed on many occasions to sit with Harlin and my father and listen to them talk about crop rotations and new ideas. If I had only remembered 10% of those conversations, then I would be an expert myself. Visiting the farm for soil sampling or to just look at a few fields was always a learning adventure. My dad used to tell me that knowledge is worthless, unless you share it with others. Harlin definitely shared his knowledge. I am a better person today, for having known him. Harlin was a very good man and very kind person. Keep the good memories close to your hearts and keep moving forward. God’s Blessings and Many Prayers to You All.
Vi Schiffer says
Dear Jodi and families, So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family was always very special to my family and I. The great memories will help a lot in the days to come. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Vi & family
Harriet & Veryl Jansen says
Sending our Sincere Sympathy to Jodi and all of the family. Remember only the good times and keep your faith. God will give you strength.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time of loss. Sincerely thinking of you and your families.
Randy & Janet Stanhope says
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Harlin will be missed dearly. Out thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Tim & Cyn Wildman says
Jodi and family, we are extremely sorry to learn of Harlan’s passing! Tim and I have nothing but love and respect for both you, Jodi, and for Harlan. He will be greatly missed. God bless all of you. May your memories stay strong of the man, husband, Dad and friend that he was.
Chad and Staci Howard says
Indeed a great leader and example in the ag industry both local and beyond. Thoughts and prayers to the Steiger families.
Lane L. Larson says
My condolences to the Steiger clan. My memories of Harlin are from high school, the great fishing trips and all the time he spent visiting with me about farming and good business practices. I appreciated that being the long haired kid from town. Those conversations help me even today with small business I own.
Great memories. Thanks Harlin
Joe and Loy Martens says
Jodi and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May many good memories of a wonderful life help you through this sad time.
Joe and Loy (Brandvik) Martens
Kay Dooley says
Jodi, Dallas, Carla and Terry, and families
My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of your husband, Dad and Grandfather. What an legendary life he lead his generosity in sharing with others his knowledge and love for life will not be forgotten by those lives he touched.
Celebrate his life and cherish your memories.
With sincere sympathy
Kay Crosby Dooley
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Harlin brightened the room with his winning smile! Bill and I send our sincerest condolences to all of the Steiger family. The names “Harlin and Jodi” fit together. Even though Harlin walks next to Jodi unseen, he is none the less still there!
Jane Kaderis says
Jodi,
I am so sorry to hear about Harlin. I have many fond memories of dinners together eating good food and sharing a lot of laughter. He was one of the best. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Batey says
Our hearts go out to the entire Steiger family-Harlin was a one of a kind man. He was kind and tough, was hunmble yet so wise. Jodi-you were his rock but also his princess. We feel so proud to know all of you. Harlin left this amazing mark on the world, as we
are all called to do. Love you all bunches! The Bateys
JoAnna Kotar says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man! His love and passion for agriculture and family are admirable. May your memories and love carry you through the next chapters. God Bless and prayers as you honor his life.
Toynette Rolston says
Hard to believe Harlin is truly gone. He was big in life, intelligence, humor and kindness. He left big footsteps on this earth and he will be missed by many.
Cathy and Curt Fleming says
Our thought and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. He was a good man and a good person.
Lisa says
Jodi,
For the few brief years of working for you and knowing Harlin, my life was forever touched. Always thinking of you guys and the fun we had! I am truly sorry to hear of his passing. He was a wonderful giving man. May your memories comfort you & your family.
Sherrin Miller says
He was a Hottie with a boddie to say the least.
Hottie, shawty, bangin bodie, spicy mommy, hot tamale