Steven Paul Koelzer was born September 13, 1960 in Butte, Montana to David Newton “Newt” and Carol (McVay) Koelzer, he was the eldest of their five children.
In 1965 the family moved to Miles City where Steve grew up.
Steve graduated from Custer County District High School. After high school he worked various jobs eventually beginning his career as a long-haul truck driver. He was based out of Miles City until 1999, when he moved to Elko, Nevada to assist his parents caring for his maternal grandmother in her final years.
Steve loved all things automotive. He had numerous project cars over the years, he was most proud of his Nova, a car he had since high school. He began his own small business in Elko in the last few years helping many of his friends and neighbors with their automotive and A/C issues.
A lifetime bachelor, Steve was a very dedicated family man. He made sure all his nieces and nephews felt special when he came to visit, which was often. Steve and his father, Newt, were best friends. The two of them were always together and during Newt’s retirement the two of them drove all over the country to visit family and friends. He was also a huge Chicago Bears fan and he was so happy they won on Sunday, January 5, 2025!
On Steve’s last trip, he and his brother Jayson met up in Butte, MT to help celebrate their aunt Patsy’s 80th birthday with family and friends. They spent their last weekend together remembering, laughing and making memories. Steve left us with hugs, laughter and love. On the morning of January 6, 2025, Steve woke up to continue their journey across Montana. Steve passed away peacefully in his sleep in the passenger side of his beloved Dodge Ram, enroute to Miles City, letting Jayson drive after having reported feeling ill. There is great solace in knowing Steve passed away doing what he loved most, being in his truck with the rumble of I-90 under him.
Steve was predeceased by his parents, Newt and Carol Koelzer, his nephew Korey Koelzer and grandmothers Marie Salmen and Ethyl Koelzer.
He is survived by his loving family, siblings, David (Jana) Koelzer of Dickinson, TX, Cheryl Koelzer of Missoula, MT, Jayson (Holly) Koelzer of Uniontown, OH, and Toni (Terry) LeBlanc of Missoula, MT, nieces and nephews; Christen (Jake Birkholz) LeBlanc, Courtney (Nick) Kircos, Kolten Koelzer, Sarah Riazati, Chance LeBlanc, Ben (Dane) Johnston, Carleigh (Josh Murdock) LeBlanc, Jasmine (Resa Mirzaei) Riazati, David Riazati, Megan Koelzer and Madeline Koelzer and eight great-nieces and nephews; Athena & Cleopatra Kircos, Aria Truzzolino, Millie Kate Koelzer, Vivian & Newton Birkholz, Jameson Koelzer and Hunter Adkinson.
The Koelzer family will be announcing a memorial service in Missoula, Montana in the coming weeks.
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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Burl Mulkey says
Im so sorry for you loss hes so young !
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Dave and Koelzer family. I’m so sorry for the loss of Steve. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of pleasant memories that I was involved with Steve at work and the times we roomed together and interacting in the community Steve was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. God bless you Steve and I’m so sorry to see you leave us My thoughts and prayers to all of you as you go through this very difficult period of loss and mourning. May God, bring you comfort and fill you with peace.
Alan Raymond says
I haven’t seen Steve in years, but we did talk on the phone about once a year. I will always remember Steve, we had some great times together. He will dearly be missed by everyone that knew him.
Starla (schneider) williams says
Oh wow I’m sad to hear this as you know we grew up with you all sad to hear of Steve’s passing prayers for the whole family he’s your angel now I remember as being shy I might be wrong but that’s how I remember Steve
Martin Draper says
A lot of problems were solved. You and the jokes will be greatly missed.
Holly (Griebel-Askin) Orr says
Im so very sorry for your family loss. Steven always made me feel like family and loved.
Scott Gilbertson says
A couple more thoughts on my friend Steve… we spent many hours cruising main in his Nova. He was one of the funniest guys I’d ever met, and probably the hardest working guy ever. He was my best man at my wedding ( also the tallest ) His family was wonderful to me, inviting me over for dinners when I had nowhere to go. Finally, our long standing joke of calling each other ” Pete ” lasted throughout our lives. I’m gonna miss ya, Pete !
Jan ronning says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Steve was such a sweet and gentle soul. He and my brother Curt were great friends. I was touched that Steve travelled back to Miles City for Curt’s memorial service. Prayers to all of you and mat God Bless and comfort you.
Donna Ronning says
I’m so sorry to hear this. He was a good friend of my brothers in High school and I hope they are having a good visit now as they both died too young.
Jeff and Peggy Mason and family says
Steve will be missed so much. My husband Jeff worked at Al Park with Newt and Carol. Jeff moved to Sentinal and Steve went to work there too. They became very good friends and was loved like a brother not only the two of them but also our whole family (myself, our daughters and our grandchildren). We had Steve over for the past two Thanksgivings. He was part of our family. There are no words that I can say, that makes it easy. Steve, you will be missed so much from all the Mason family. I will meet you at Chef Changs again one day.
Jeff Mason says
Steve and I enjoyed a decades long friendship and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I will miss working on projects with him riding motorcycles driving trucks and spending time together. Also the on going debate about which one of us has the most diesel in our blood. Gods Speed Steve until we meet again.
Tab Fleming says
I’m very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I hadn’t seen him after his move to Elmo but thought often of the times we spent together. Always good times when we were together. Prayers for all of Steve’s family during this time of grief.
Scott Jens says
I remember Steve from my teaching days at Miles City, a very kind, and laid back young man. I haven’t seen him since he graduated from highschool, needless to say I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Sending my deepest condolences to his brother Dave, and the rest of the family. May peace be with you Steve.
Peter Dempsey says
To the Koelzer family and to everyone who was lucky enough to call Steve a friend, I know we miss Steve and having the honor of knowing someone that was always there to help when you needed a hand or just some advice. Steve and I worked together at sentinel in Carlin nevada. This is where our friendship started. Playing cribbage, planning bike rides and riding, seeing the sites on the open road are just some of the things that Steve and I both enjoyed. I will miss all the conversation’s that i had with a great friend.
Pam Griffin says
Dave (Jana), Cheryl, Jayson, and Toni (Terry),
Such great memories I have of Steve and all of you back in the day on Lake Street! So many games of tag, kickball, etc. in the old neighborhood. Steve was right in the middle of it all and always such a nice guy. Glad to hear he lived his life doing the things he loved. My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Praying for your peace today and in the days ahead.
Justin Dempsey says
Justin Dempsey
I’m so sorry for your loss we love you guys much. Steve was such an angel.
My tribute to Steve
Love you bud until we see you again . I hope we visit a bunch. I will miss seeing you in Spring Creek. I will pass by your house and give your big shed some love and your house a kiss. Thanks for coming to visit us at my house often and taking us out to eat in Elko. Thanks for telling my dad to be nice. He will behave. I’m thankful you are an angel now in heaven I will pray that you do the work that Jesus wants you to do.
Caroll Carlson says
Steven, his family lived across the street from my family on lake and he was such a gentle soul! And my brother is in a few other guys would get together and tinker on some car in our yard. I’m glad he had a good life and that he passed doing what he love doing! Condolences to his family and close friends!