Steven Joe Tancre, 66
Steven Joe Tancre, a caring son, brother, husband, father and friend, left this world unexpectedly on April 15, 2021, at the age of 66. He has gone to see what God has “prepared for those who love him.”
Steve was born to Duane and Sylvia Tancre on Nov. 5, 1954, in Williston, North Dakota. He and his family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1955. After graduating from Flathead High School Class of ‘73, he went on to meet the challenges of working in the oil fields of North Dakota, to learning the masonry trade, to finally pursuing his love of auto mechanics. He began a career in the industry from small shops to major dealerships. He was highly esteemed among his peers, and received many accolades throughout his career of becoming a master technician.
Steve married his lovely wife, Kathy Marie Mackin, on Aug. 21, 1982. One of his outstanding accomplishments was designing and hand building a small cabin in the mountains of Kalispell where he and his wife, Kathy, briefly lived after they were married. He loved being a family man and a father to their daughter, Katie. He was very proud and felt blessed to be her father and friend. Steve passed on his love of animals to Katie. They frequently added to their small family by adopting four-legged siblings from local rescues.
Steve loved spending time hunting, fishing, cycling and building gadgets in his shop. These were some of his favorite pastimes, especially when doing them with friends. He was always ready to lend a listening ear and share encouragement or advice with those who needed it. Steve had a rare mixture of common sense and the ability to share as needed. He spent several years faithfully ministering to the youth at Canvas Church, where he and his wife attended.
In the latter part of his life, he faced his greatest challenge and overcame it with the strength and grace that only God can give. In 2018 he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. During his battle with this disease, his faith never diminished. Steve’s light only shone brighter while suffering through intense treatments and painful surgeries. When the final diagnosis of “cancer free” came, he and his family rejoiced and gave God the glory. During this time, Steve would spend part of every Wednesday with his mother, sister and brother-in-law grocery shopping, visiting and rounding out the day with a Dairy Queen lunch. All were welcome, and there were many hugs and laughs. Steve was blessed with two more wonderful years before a new health challenge confronted them. Even then, he faced it like the warrior he was, with a strong and positive attitude, never wavering in his trust in God.
Steve is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Katie, and her husband, Dustin Underwood; mother, Sylvia (Sally) Tancre; sister, Sheryle, and her husband, Dave Turman; sister-in-law, Shari, and her husband, Cliff Chrismore; along with numerous brother- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
He will be laid to rest with his father Duane, brother Marvin, and nephew Jason.
If desired, please consider a memorial donation to the Flathead County Animal Shelter in Steve’s honor. If you prefer, cards and flowers for the family can be sent to: Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 S. Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.
The family would like to express their deepest thanks for the help of neighbors, family and friends during this time.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. — James 1:12