Steven Edward Holman, lovingly known as “Radar”, passed away on February 16, 2023 at the age of 71 at The Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive, Montana.
Steve was born on September 21, 1951, in Bowman, North Dakota, son of Lawrence and Mary Holman. He was the fourth of five children. Steve grew up in Marmarth, North Dakota where he attended grade school. He then graduated from Baker High School in Baker, Montana. Following high school, he joined the Army serving one and a half years in the Vietnam War as a clerk. This task earned him his lifelong nickname of “Radar”, after his look alike Radar O’Reilly character in the TV series MASH. In the short time that he served in the Army he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Steve attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating from MSU he attended Montana State University-Northern in Havre, Montana where he earned master’s degree. Ironically, he never used either of the degrees. He did return to the school scene as a girls’ volleyball coach at Miles Community College and Custer County District High School in Miles City. He also coached women’s volleyball at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, earning the AVCA NAIA National Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year award in 1992.
Radar’s passion in life was the game of golf. He was happiest when he was on the golf course. He was a superintendent for various golf courses around the state of Montana. These courses included Valley View Golf Course in Bozeman, Miles City Town and Country Club Golf Course in Miles City, Montana, and Lake Hills Golf Course in Billings. He eventually became part owner at the Lake Hills Golf Course.
Radar is survived by his sister Meridel Gartrell, his brothers Pat (Julie) Holman, Gary (Linda) Holman, Eugene (Debbie) Holman, and many nieces, nephews, and good friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Mary Holman and his brother-in-law Bill Gartrell.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, 2/28/2023 at 11 AM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A graveside service with military honors will follow at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Service. Condolences can be made to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday February 28, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 28, 2023
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles CIty, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Interment
Tuesday February 28, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday February 28, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following the Funeral Service
Tuesday February 28, 2023
Eastern Montana Veterans State Cemetery
Miles CIty, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following Interment
Tuesday February 28, 2023
The Parlor
1806 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dave Gunderson says
Steve “Radar” may you Rest In Peace. I miss all our times at the Sig Ep house we all had a good time.
Greg Johnston says
Radar you were a great greens keeper and even better guy. You will be missed my friend.
Ted Stein says
Radar, may you rest in peace and enjoy the golf and volleyball up in heaven! You’ll be missed!
Dan Wolfe says
Radar, you were one of kind! Rest in Peace, we will miss your stories.
Bill Cloud says
Radar….what a schock! You will be fondly remembered by your college buddies. What good times we had! I hope they continue for you in heaven. Rest in peace brother.
Jared Bankey says
Radar…Thanks for your coaching advice. We sure had fun at the Mon Dak in Dickinson that year….even with me having to leave for a short time from the garden to be the eye in the sky for Montana. Had the winning play call. If they only knew. Like you said when coaching comes calling, you gotta answer. Ha. Good times. RIP my friend.
mick durham says
Radar – Rest in peace, my man. Always cherished our friendship throughout the years. Enjoyed seeing you in the PE Complex everyday during our college years, truly a gym rat. You were a man’s man – said it like it was. Love ya.
Shannon Halsey-Holmen says
Such fond memories of Radar at the Sig Ep house. He was always taking care of us lost freshman. My sympathy to his family.
Steve Simonson says
Radar was more than a good friend, he was like a brother to me. He was the first golf course superintendent to reach out to me back in 1980. We became lifelong friends through thick and thin. While I watched his health decline, I always took time to listen and reflect on all the good times we shared. I loved playing golf with him and especially when I occasionally bested him on the golf course. I miss you my friend.
Rod & Gail Weeding says
Our deepest sympathies to all of family.
Randy Rucker says
Hey Radar, it’s been a while. Sad to see your obit. I have nothing but good memories of you, especially the summer of ’77. Thanks for being a good friend back then. Sorry to lose touch. My condolences to the family.
David Petteys says
Radar was a good friend and teammate for the Feed and Fuel golf as well as the Superintendent for Rivers Bend Golf course in Thompson Falls. RIP my friend.
Tom Stebbins says
May you be in a better place my friend. Loved by many, including me. Lucky to have known you in college, at the house, playing volleyball, golf and at Jess’s wedding until we meet on the other side, love you Radar!!
Hopper says
Mezpah my brother!
Pygmy says
Hey Radar, I’m thinking of some pretty good times in the mid ’70’s being in your red GTO, snarfing Jello at Hannon, living at 615 Cleveland (Sig Ep House), the 1206 house, the white house, Griz’s place, and the covered wagon trailer. I still have that blue Gitane racing bike you gave me when Janet and I were married. I think you were the best 2nd baseman I ever played with, and a very savvy Volleyball coach too. It was fun to watch you lead your Carroll girls in the ’80’s. Spaghetti Casserole!!!, your mom’s recipe was the best!
I’m sorry that I did not make a trip to see you over the last 10 years or so, now I sure wish I did. It would be great to hear your stories, hear your laughter, and watch your smile again.
Be well in the afterlife my good friend.
VD&B, Pygmy
Steve Clark says
Hey Radar, We sure missed you after you left Thompson Falls. We sure had a lot of fun playing for the Feed and Fuel and hanging out. Man could you eat chicken wings! I think half the bone was missing after you were done. Like you used to say, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing”. Sorry to see you go. My condolences to all of your family and friends. RIP good buddy.
Kent Benjamin says
Gary Linda and family sorry for your loss. Our condolences.
The Benjamin’s
Mary Wagner says
I first met Radar during my college years in Bozeman. Then in the years to follow at different volleyball matches across the state. He always made me smile. So sorry and very sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace my friend.