Edward Shawn Stefanatz, 43

Edward Shawn Stefanatz, “Little Ed,” 43, died in an automobile accident on Nov. 12, 2016. The accident also tragically took the life of two of his other family members, Tesa and Zach Rhodes. Ed and his family were returning home from a day of hunting out west of Kalispell, something that he dearly loved.

Ed was born in Kalispell on Sept. 4, 1973, the son of Edward and Hazel Burnside Stefanatz. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up attending grade school at Elrod School and Flathead High School, eventually obtaining his GED. He attended Electrical Apprenticeship courses at Flathead Valley Community College and worked with his father’s electric business, Ed’s Electric, and also for Gary Collier with Kalispell Neon. He later worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver. Ed was happiest when working with his hands and helping someone out. His latest project was remodeling his mom’s house, a project he sadly did not complete.

Ed was an avid outdoorsman. He truly lived to hunt and fish in the great Montana outdoors. He loved to catch up with family members or friends and talk about his latest adventure hunting or biggest fish caught. His passion started out as a toddler hunting and fishing alongside his father. It is where his spirit was most content.

Ed did not marry or have children of his own. In 2015, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Tesa Rhoads. Ed and Tesa were both the happiest they have been in their lives. They found in each other a deep love of family and the outdoors. Tesa was able to keep Ed in line, and we all loved her for it. Ed loved Tesa’s children, Tyler, 23, Zach, 16, and Hunter, 7. They were planning to marry and spend their lives together.

Ed loved his nieces and nephew. His greatest joy was taking them on fishing and camping trips. He was a fun-loving, doting, proud and protective uncle. He loved each of them for their unique gifts and was a patient and gentle guide in their lives.

Ed had many lifetime friends. His smile, twinkling eyes and mischievous laugh were irresistible. He was loving, kind, funny, generous and loyal. He was a person others would go to when they were in need of a big hug, a laugh, or to go fishing. Eddie’s life was not easy; he fought some challenges and was just now coming through them. In fact, he preferred the less-traveled, more challenging road of life. He loved the adventure and had more friends there!

Lifelong friends include Bobby Shephard, Kevin Pettyjohn, Ray Palmer, Boyce Ballard, Jason Hatten, Robert Bosley and many more.

Ed is survived by his mother Hazel Stefanatz, and father Ed Stefanatz; his sister, Shelly (Eric) Smith and their three daughters, Cassidy, Kaycee and Kate; and his sister, Carrie (Ted) Burnham and their children, Claire and Cameron; he also leaves behind his beloved hunting dog, Kid, all living in Kalispell; aunts and uncles, Nancy (Vince) Jarvis, and John Stefanatz; and many dear cousins.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Glen and Mabel Burnside, and Rudy and Agnes Stefanatz; uncles, Rex Burnside, Ray (Marie) Burnside, Jake (Elsie) Burnside; and aunts, Fay (Teddy) Mee, Gay (Duane) Rose and Sue (Gordon) Nesten; and beloved hunting dogs, Boone and Crockett.

A memorial service honoring Ed and saying goodbye to Tesa and Zach will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of his life at the Eagles in downtown Kalispell.

The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support at this time. We would encourage everyone to spend a day outdoors fishing or hunting with your family in his honor.

A memorial fund has been set up for Hunter Rhoads, who survived the accident, has been set up at Whitefish Credit Union Kalispell, account No. 988652.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.