Steven Fetveit, 72
Steven Martin Fetveit, 72, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully after fighting a courageous battle with cancer, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at Benefis Peace Hospice of Montana; Steven was surrounded by his loving family.
Steven was born in Kalispell on July 3, 1950, a son of Martin and Dorothy Fetveit. He attended local schools and graduated from Flathead High School with the class of 1968. A graduate of Montana State University, Steve began his career in broadcast journalism in 1972 at what was then Western Broadcasting's KCFW-TV in Kalispell.
Through the early years, his career path took him to KULR-TV in Billings, KECI-TV in Missoula and KOBI-TV in Medford, Oregon. Steve returned to KCFW-TV, Kalispell in 1987 as Station Manager and later became the local/regional sales manager for the Eagle Communications stations in Missoula, Kalispell, Butte and Bozeman.
In 2006, Steve was honored by the "Greater Montana Foundation" and the "Montana Broadcasters Association" as Montana's "Television On-Air Broadcasters of the Year.” In 2009, the Bonten Media Group awarded Steve a Bonnie Award as the company’s “News Talent of the Year” for 2009. Steve served on the board of directors for the Montana Broadcaster's Association, including a year as the board's president.
Steve retired from NBC Montana in 2018 and was able to split time between the warmth of Arizona and his home in Montana, as well as enjoying the open road on his Harley Davidson. He made multiple motorcycle trips across the country, with his motorcycle gang who were like family to him. Steve was also an accomplished USTPA judge and announcer, known for his amazing voice and integrity. His riding was not limited to motorcycles either, Steven had multiple favorite horses such as Mini, Mugsy, and Harley, who helped him win many buckles and provided many fun times with his Team Penning Family. Steven never missed an opportunity to participate in his children's and grandchildren’s activities.
Steven is survived by his wife, Samantha, whom he married in 1995, and six children — Tischel and her husband, Doric of Columbia Falls; Kimberly, of Clyde Park, Montana; Natalya and her husband, Aaron, of Great Falls; Chad and his wife Lindsay Jo, of Kalispell; Lindsay Rae, of Kalispell; and Michelle, of Los Angeles, California. He also leaves two brothers, Gary, and his wife Diane, of Kalispell; and Richard and his partner David of Omaha, Nebraska; as well as 10 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A celebration of Steven’s life will take place on March 31 at 4:30 p.m. at the Elk’s Lodge in Kalispell. Please bring your favorite stories of Steven’s life to share as we remember an incredible man we all love and cherish, Steven will be greatly missed.
To add to the slideshow for the celebration of Steven’s life, please email your photo to victoriabuls@gmail.com.
