Stephen Theodore Petrini, 86

Stephen "Steve" Theodore Petrini, 86, passed away in Kalispell Sept. 12, 2024. He was born in Great Falls on Dec. 26, 1937. He was the only child of Giovanna (Tambellini) and Riseri Petrini. As a boy, he attended Catholic schools and learned to play the piano, which became a great life-long hobby. He attended Seattle University and University of Great Falls, graduating with a degree in mathematics. He married Judy Slemberger in June of 1960 and was blessed with three children, Lisa, Linda and son, Steve. After divorcing in 1977, Steve married Carla Jean Holien in 1981 and welcomed into his family three stepdaughters, Ronda, Robin (died 2022) and Rena.

Over the years, Steve worked for the cities of Great Falls and Missoula as a draftsman and assistant city planning director. He settled in Kalispell in 1970 with his family where he became the Flathead County area wide planning director. He was a member of many service organizations including the Jaycees, The Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis. He was also a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard and took monthly trips to the base in Great Falls to report for weekend duty and visit family. After resigning from his planning position in 1979, Steve moved back to Great Falls and worked full-time for the Air National Guard until his retirement in 1997. He loved working on the jets and being around his many friends.

Steve enjoyed traveling, and he and Jean toured the U.S. on their motorcycle and later in their motorhome. He was an intelligent man and talented pianist, entertaining others in a jazz band, and later, family and friends at special events with his rendition of "In the Mood," among other tunes. His kids and their spouses loved playing cards and games with their fun-loving dad. Steve was a kind and generous man, never saying a negative word about anyone or complaining about his circumstances. He had a mischievous sense of humor and would light up a room with his smile.

After Jean’s passing in 2019, Steve returned to Kalispell to be closer to his family. 

He is survived by his children, Lisa Tannehill (Tom), Linda Bostic (Ron), Steve Petrini (Gina), stepdaughters, as well as by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish in Kalispell on Friday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m., with burial to follow immediately after at Conrad Memorial Gardens. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.