Joan (Jodi) Steiger was born March 31, 1938, and grew up in the Pleasant Valley near Windham, MT. She was shaped by that place and as open and unpretentious as the country that grew her.
Her family raised cattle, wheat, and kids. Jodi was the 2nd of 7 children and her dad’s little helper. When the new combine was delivered in pieces, it was Jodi who was drafted to assist in its assembly. She helped milk the family cow, and her first vehicle was a grain truck. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage.
In search of a summer job, she took a train to Billings at 16. When she stepped onto the platform, she was greeted by both the friend who was to meet her and the man who would become her husband. They danced for the first time that night and never stopped.
On New Year’s Eve, 1955, Jodi married Harlin Steiger. They moved to Custer to the first place they farmed together. Here they started their family. Their son Dallas was born in 1956 and daughters Carla and Teresa (Terry) came shortly after.
In 1961, the two bought and moved to the farm Jodi dubbed the Golden Goose. It wasn’t always easy, but with a strong work ethic and dedication to each other, they built their life and shaped the next three generations of family.
Our communities and the farms around them are built on the backs of women like Jodi. On the farm, she drove beet truck and tractors, ran for parts, and partnered in business decisions. In the Howard Valley, she raised a garden and kids, revived the Howard Cemetery and kept the old school house lively with events. In Forsyth, she ran the C-Club, Shy Ann’s, and the Melting Pot.
But Jodi didn’t just work, and she was anything but dull. In their 61 years of marriage, Jodi and Harlin traveled to 4 of the 7 continents. She biked, canoed, and rode motorcycles and her Mule; she rode horses through the Bob Marshall, competed in triathlons, whitewater rafted, and backpacked. She snow and water-skied. She even flew airplanes and tried to make water run uphill.
She enjoyed gathering people. A natural hostess, she fussed just enough. Her door and table were always open, and her friends were many and diverse. She hosted Survivor and cocktail parties, Sunday runs, Christmases and Beet Harvest Balls, and the random traveler who took a wrong turn up her hill.
Jodi joined Harlin in heaven on April 27, 2018. Also waiting for her were her parents, Pearl and Henry G. Larson, and brother, Ted Larson. She is survived by three children, Dallas (Cindy) Steiger, Carla (Glen) Leonhardt, and Terry (Duane) Mahlum; 9 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and 5 siblings.</p>
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday May 3, 2018
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday May 4, 2018
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Thursday May 3, 2018
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Funeral Service
2:00 PM
Friday May 4, 2018
Federated Church
1180 Cedar Street
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Dee Batey says
Dallas, Carla, Terry and families. My heart is breaking, Jody was a very special lady to me. She was a hard working lady with a life full of kindness and giving. Everyone will have a cup overflowing with memories of this sweet lady. You are in my prayers.
Grace Larson says
Jody was a very special person. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family. She was always busy and involved in the community. Goodbye to a wonderful lady. Grace
Nancy Buzard says
To call of Jodie’s family,
Thinking of all of you and all in my prayers.
Archie and I will miss Jodie as we do Harlin.
Parties, fishing, and just visiting.
Great memories and God are what keeps you going at times like this.
Lynn Tompkins says
I am so sorry to hear of Jodys passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Jody. What a hoot. Her smile and laugh made the world a better place. Forsyth has lost a great person.
Diana says
Sending prayers to the Steiger family, Jody always had to stop and say hi and had smile to go with it, remember the good times you had together keep them in your heart, may God bless your family at this time,
Darcy says
Thoughts and prayers out to all family, friends and loved ones. What a dear sweet soul we have lost. She was a formitable women, and a joy! A heart as big as Montana itself! Those that went before her are there to welcome her home. We left behind will miss and remember her always with a grin and a wink!
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences.
Kenneth and Lori Ferguson Reierson says
Dallas, Carla and Terry you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Arlen & Barbie Kirkaldie says
Our love and prayers are with you. Jodi was a precious,
Sweet lady .We thank the family for the blessings of them sharing their wonderful parents with us and so many others.?
Sharon and Duane Wetsch says
Dallas,Carla ,Terry and families. We were so sorry to hear of Jody’s passing.
She was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul Evan and Tracie Jones says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your families. We loved visiting with Jody, as well as Harlin. They both will be truly missed by all.
Jody Crocker Haidle says
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother. God’s blessing on you during this difficult time.
Laura Doyle says
My Condolences to the Family.Thoughts and Prayers go out to you .
Lance and Candace Larson says
Dallas, Carla, Terry and families. We were so sad to hear of the sudden loss of your mom. Jody was a kind and caring lady who will be missed by many. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie (LaBree) Stephens says
Just know I am thinking of you all. What a terrible tragedy! Maybe Harlin was calling her to be by his side. I am sure Rosebud County will not be the same, but you will feel her presence always. So very sorry for your loss.
Pam and Joe Ash says
Jody will be so missed. Such a sweet kind lady! A dear friend all my life.
Pamela Belgarde Miller says
Carla and family sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers with you all.
Carla Hecker says
Carla, Terry, Dallas and families, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your mom. She was such a good lady and will be missed. I have many great memories spending time out at the place while growing up, in 4-H, Beet Harvest dances, the C-Club, etc. As I got older she always greeted me with a big smile asking how me and my family were doing. May your happy memories get you through the tough times ahead.
Shane & Molly Barta says
Sending our love and prayers.
Connie Brown says
To Jody’s family,
May the void you feel be filled with memories of Love and may God give you peace!
Becky Hert-Criswell says
I always enjoyed visiting with Jody… such a sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with you all~
Christy Stensland says
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
A life well lived and a smile beyond radiant!
Blessings to your memories, Jack & Christy
Randy & Janet Randi and Rachel Stanhope says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We send all our prayers to you and yours.
Pam and Neal Shelton says
To Jodys family, we were so sorry top heart she had passes away. Our condolences
Jack & Kris Crocker says
Our hearts ache for you. Jody was a wonderful lady.
Jack and Julia Ferguson says
So sorry for your loss. Jody was a wonderful lady will be missed by many
Betty Holmes Vail says
Carla, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
June Cox says
We are all going to miss Jodi in so many ways RIP
Kim Rausch-Geiss says
Steiger children, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Carla & Terry, I miss those summers I spent with your family, those were the memories. Sending my love to all of you.
Mike and Lynn Blakesley says
Jodi was amazing! We are thinking of all her family and hope great memories will sustain you through this tough time.
Rocky & Carol Plympton says
So sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Jodi’s passing will be a big void in this community. Their legacy will be carried on by all of you, tho. May you all carry on in the strength of the Lord. Holding you up in prayer.
Debi Rapstad says
Jodi really was such a delight, and will be very missed by all. Thinking of you, take care.
Jerome says
Sunday runs will not be forgotten many thanks!!
Jackie and Rick Jacobson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard to lose a parent. Our thoughts are with you a your families.
Dallas and Cindy sending love and prayers.
Kenny and Karen Rogers says
When I heard that Jodi had passed the first thing that came to my mind was watching Harlin and her dance. I believe that was when the C Club was still open. I can see them both waltzing across heaven together. I am so Sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you. They were both awesome people.
Lonnie Murphy says
May God give you all Peace, Comfort & Strength at this time. Remember the good times and the great legacy that both Harlin & Jodi created-giving to and loving their community and their family & friends. The phrase-“A life well-lived” describes them perfectly! Prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
Sharon Lincoln says
Sharon Lincoln says
Jodi was a wonderful woman who always had a smile. She and Harlan will be missed by many.
My condolences to her family.
Sheela & James Beeman says
Thanks for the great times on the 4th of july with Jodi and Harlan on the pond what a great family u have love u all our hearts hurt 4 u all thanks 4 letting us be part of it prayers are with u all kirstin and keiths family
Betsy Becker-Gehrke, Lakewood, CO says
Jodi was such a kind, beautiful woman, inside and out. I have so many wonderful memories of our time at The Melting Pot in the 80’s! It didn’t seem like exercise because she made it so much fun! 🙂 Good times.
Jodi hired me to clean her home for a while when I was unemployed. She was always helping others when needed.
That beautiful laugh of hers was so contagious!
Such a beautiful soul. Heaven has acquired a special angel. Rest In Peace, Dear Lady.
Sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Kim and Nancy Nile says
Jodi was one of the kindest, fun, warm and energetic people. Kim has so many special memories of being over at her home from the time he was little. Jodi was a wonderful hostess and person to talk to or be around, it was always a pleasure. We will always have the fondest of memories! Our valley has truly lost a whole lot of sunshine. Prayers and hugs to Dallas and Carla and Terry and all their families, and to the many people that loved her so much.
Marie Kluver says
Karson and Marie Kluver
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your Mom was a very special person.
Sabrina Spannagel says
Dallas, Carla andTerry,
This is heartbreaking. Sending my deepest condolences for the loss of your amazing mother. Jodi was such an important person in the lives of so many of us. She was affectionate, generous, funny and honest with her point of view. Thinking of you all and sending big hugs.