Steve Jon Syndergaard
Steve was born Sept 6, 1965 in Powell, Wyoming to Kenneth
and Cheryl Ann Syndergaard.
Steve was the kind of guy that if he met you, he took a
vested interest in you as an individual. He had a genuine
interest in people. If he was driving by a person's house or
work, he wouldn't keep driving, but rather stop to say
“hello” and make that person a part of his day. He had an
infectious smile and a contagious laugh. Many times he would
begin laughing at something that really wasn't all that
funny, but before long everyone in the room would be
laughing right along with him.
Steve had a profound love for people and placed his family
and friends as top priority. He was the older brother to
Kennette who was 2 1/2 years younger. In their teenage years
they hung out as brother and sister and were also best
friends. When Steve was 15 years old his “kid brother” Shane
was born. They shared a strong special bond, a bond that
will remain from this day forward. Being that
Steve was 6 ft 4, Shane looked up to him, but it was not
because of his stature. It was because of his qualities of
being a hard worker, honest man, and a loving heart.
Steve took pride in sharing his love for his family and
friends. Every birthday or Christmas he took careful time
and consideration to pick out cards that demonstrated his
feelings and love to the people he was sending them to. He
was a loyal friend. If you are reading this and he knew you
he genuinely valued you as his friend and you were an
important part of his life.
Steve met the love of his life Faith Graham and he asked her
for her hand in marriage in 2000. Faith has 2 children Arlis
and Bruce from a previous marriage. He never intended to
replace their father, but they easily fell in love with him
as he did with them and had an incredible relationship as
their step-father. Steve and Faith not only loved one
another but they cherished the time they had together. They
enjoyed taking walks hand-in-hand, traveling, and with their
mutual interest in Basenji dogs, they became proud owners of
Pebbles, Bam Bam, and Wilma.
Steve was a bit accident prone and over the years had broken
his leg, arm, pelvis, and, ribs to name a few. At one point
in time, he even was electrocuted. He was in a motor vehicle
accident in 1987 where he rolled a 2 ton truck and suffered
a traumatic brain injury. He was not expected to walk or
talk again however thru many prayers being answered and the
power of love, he recovered far beyond anyone's
expectations. Steve saw November 19th, 1987 as being given
an opportunity for a new life. He never took for granted the
reality that he could have died and always put in
perspective the importance on life and living. He was in a
lot of pain, but no one really ever knew to what degree
because he was not a complainer. He always had a smile on
his face and always had a cheerful greeting to disguise true
pain.
Steve was a hardworking man and had worked at various jobs
over his life all which brought pleasure to him in different
ways. He learned his work ethic from his parents and worked
for years at their business, Ken's Interstate Conoco; Ron
Hill Construction, and American Appliance. He supported his
wife in starting her opening Classi Clips Pet Grooming and
to further take care of dogs they began selling premium dog
food. He started his own business called Pooper Patrol. He
used humor to market this business. "All dogs do number 2",
and "Snow two poops are alike" as well as his theme song,
"Who let the Dogs Out."
Steve's life came to an end on December 9th of 2010. Steve
we will always love and hold you in our hearts forever. As
each of us takes a moment to reflect on your life and our
relationship with you we know that our life was enriched
because of you. In closing we will remember fondly what you
always said…. "Give your family a hug and a kiss and don't
forget to kiss the dogs too."
Steve is survived by his wife, Faith Syndergaard; his
parents Ken and Cheryl Syndergaard; Step-son Bruce Graham
and Danielle Grizard; step-daughter Arlis Graham and husband
Paul Staley; sister Kennette, and Stewart McWilliams (Tess,
Kenyon, and Shaynee). Brother, Shane and Sarah Syndergaard
(Madison). Faith's parents, Bud and Lois Huntington; and
Faith's siblings: Vinita Shea (John, Myles,and Casey); June
and Bob Krausz (Karly and Heidi); Les and Barb Huntington
(Ryan, Dustin, and Carson). Steve is preceded in death by
his grandparents, Johnny and Mildred Syndergaard and his
aunt Judy Syndergaard Reifer.
Visitation will be held from 5-8pm Sunday at Michelotti-Sawyers
Mortuary
A celebration of Steve's life will be held on Tuesday,
December 14th at 10:00 a.m. at King of Glory Church, 4125
Grand Avenue with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers we encourage memorials be made in Steve's name to Brain Injury Association of Montana 1280 South 3Rd Street West #4 Missoula, MT 59801.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
To the
family and friends of Steve Syndegaard
What a loving face and a beautiful smile. I remember seeing this
handsome man on his “pooper patrols” and looking happy and enjoying life
even as he continued on to his next poop pickup. May the Lord bless you
and keep you. Love never ends.
Julie McClelland
Hello
Kennette and family,
I always read the obituaries and saw this one today, as it talked
about Kennette I thought it could only be you. I am sorry to hear
you have this loss especially at Christmas. Thinking of you as
always. Joel & Vicki
Hochhalter
I’ll
always remember Steve’s smile and his genuine interest in people as
individuals. He would always ask me how I was, and then when I
inquired how he was, he would say “just poopy”. He had a wonderful
sense of humor, and he always made me feel lighthearted when he left
after doing postal business. He lives on in those people who carry
him in their hearts and memories. I’ll miss him.
Darla Day
Postmaster
Huntley MT 59037
Dear Faith & Family,
I must say it was a shocker to learn of Steve's passing, but do want
you to know how much he was thought of , a true friend and sincere
man.
Obviously no words to describe the loss, but he will not be
forgotten.
Truly saddened for your loss,
Ross Evig & Family
To Faith and her family,
Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this difficult time. We will
miss Steve, and we will always remember the tall friendly guy who
always had a smile and a kind word whenever we met him.
With sympathy,
Nancy and Michael Vermeulen
Faith,
We are sorry to hear of the passing of Steve. I grew up with both of
your families (Graham-Syndegaard) and you with mine. Steve was a
good guy with a big happy heart. He will be deeply missed.
Thoughts and prayers go out to both families.
Bill-Stacey-Kayla-Lindsey Collett
Know that are thoughts and prayers are with
you and your family.
Your Wish Granters family
Dear Kennette and family,
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Steve sounds like he was an amazing man and such a blessing to you
all. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Doug & Bonnie Raper
Dear Syndergaard Family,
I was so shocked to hear about Steve's death. He truly was one of
the most genuine people I have ever met. I just talked to him and
Faith in the Mall about 2 months ago and he looked so good. He
always had the wonderful smile on his face. I am so glad I had the
chance to meet him and call him a friend. He will live on in my
heart forever. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with all of
you at this very difficult time.
God Bless you all,
Robyn Larson
Dearest Cheryl Ann and Family:
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time
of losing Steve. We remember him as a boy and
young man who even then made a person feel
like he was happy to see us, kinda like his Mom.
Love to all,
Harold (Tiny) and Betty Kersting Family
For Ken & Cheryl Syndergaard,
I’m absolutely lost for words. My heart, thoughts and prayers are
for you and your family. Steve was proof that “the acorn doesn’t
fall far from the tree”. He was a shining example of what we should
be. If there is anything I, or the crew, from Habitat for Humanity
can do…please let me know. God bless you
Dennis
To the family of Steve Jon Syndergaard
I belonged to the BNI networking group that Steve belonged to for
several years. I always looked forward to seeing him each week, he
had a fantastic sense of humor and was always interesting to listen
to when he spoke of his two businesses. When he left the group he
said he would return some day, however I believe that a part of
Steve was still there in those meetings because he set such a great
example of honesty and integrity.
I am thinking of you all at this time of loss, Steve was a wonderful
person and I’m fortunate to have gotten to spend a little time with
him on this earth.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Paddy Moore
Dear Kennette and family,
I am so so so sorry about your brother. I went to your FB and my
mouth dropped to the floor when I read about your brother. He looks
like a million bucks. I saw him in Billings one time and after I
reminded him who I was we had a great visit. My heart breaks for you
and your parents. Please know that I am sending you all my love and
prayers and hugs since I can not be there with you. I hope you find
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 comforting. Please know that our dear Heavenly
Father is with you and will comfort you all through this extremely
difficult time. I am only a phone call away. Love and friendship,
Michelle Haburchak
Ken, Cheryl, Kennette and Shane.....
I too am at a loss for words as to tell you how sorry we were to
hear of Steve's passing. Our hearts are so full of love for you guys
at this time. Remembering the good times will help get you through
this. I don't think I have ever read so many nice things said about
anyone. You truly were blessed...I don't understand your pain...just
know we are here for you.....Loyal & Lou Ann
Faith, Ken, Cheryl and the entire family:
My heart is so sad to hear of Steve's passing. My thoughts of Steve
are that he always had a smile and a bit of conversation no matter
what he was doing. He used to visit with me everyday while he worked
at Sowles Company. I remember him grinning as he talked about Faith
and his love for her while they were dating. I always thought he was
just like his dad, one of the kindest people you would ever meet.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Derek and Karen Bamberry
Faith, with bountiful hugs and warmest
sympathy to you at this time.
Through a near-death experience, I saw something that represented to
me the quintessential Light of Universal One, or God. Since then, I
know in my heart that when the time comes to ‘move through’ into the
Light, it is a peaceful and immensely positive experience of ‘going
up and to’ that Higher Realm. Dearest Steve is now in that Light,
and I can only say that from the little I know through my
experience, his soul light has melded with that sphere of
ever-present love and joy. May God give you the strength at this
challenging time to know that one day when you pass through too,
many years from now, you will recognize Steve’s light. But for now,
also know that you can communicate with him from your heart and
telepathically because of the love that you have extended through
him in his living years. I know you will be mourning his loss in our
dimension, but in your grief, may your heart beat fervently in
connection with Steve in that another plane, truly realizing that
he, as your soul-mate, will always be with you.
In Light and Love,
Simon and Yoshie Atkins
Billings, Montana
Cheryl Ann and Family. We were so sorry to hear about Steve. I'm sorry that I never got to know him or the rest of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph & Sandy (Cohorst) Byrd