Ivan Ernest Stepan

On April 15, 2024 the McQueen neighborhood of Butte lost a native son.  Ivan was born July 31, 1932 during the heart of the Great Depression to Angelina (Petritz) and Anton Stepan.  He was delivered by a mid-wife at their home on 2301 Yew Street.

Ivan attended Holy Savior Parochial and Butte High Schools.  “All I wanted to do was learn how to read.”  While he was recovering from an illness, his brother Ed went to the nun to get some books for Ivan to read.  The nun told Ed, “He’s read every book we have!”  After high school, Ivan worked at National Cash Register, attended Butte Business College, and joined the Naval Reserve.  Shortly after his father’s death in 1951, Ivan received his orders to report to active duty.  Ivan served aboard the USS Granger.  He was discharged in November of 1953.  While serving, the passing of the G.I. Bill enabled Ivan’s dream of attending a university.  Ivan reported to Gonzaga University January of 1954, selecting to major in Chemical Engineering.

While home from Gonzaga and attending the annual McQueen Bar picnic at Pipestone, Ivan was introduced to the love of his life, Arlene Masolo.  They married in August of 1956, an incredible, loving partnership that would last for 68 years.  Upon graduation from Gonzaga, Ivan accepted a job with Philips Petroleum near Idaho Falls as a reactor engineer, specializing in testing materials in high intensity radiation fields (MTR).  After an exemplary career in the MTR field, Ivan accepted a position with MERDI working on the development of Magneto Hydrodynamic generation in Butte, Montana.  Ivan retired in March of 1997.  Hobbies included playing bridge and traveling extensively.

Ivan will be remembered as a beloved figure in the Butte community, cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, and friend.  His deep love for the McQueen’s and Butte’s history was only matched by his commitment to his family and friends.  A verbal history of Ivan and Arlene’s life is available at the Butte Silver Bow Archives ensuring that Ivan’s love for history continues to enlighten and engage future generations.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife, Arlene; his children, Fred (Marion), Ivan, Anthony (Lara); grandchildren, Dan (Kelsie), Ivy (Kevin), Ben (Katie), Joel, and Nathan; great-grandchild, Iris Avery; sister and brother in-laws, Diane (John) Mack, Marie (Marvin) Senne, Joan Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, services will be at a later date.   Memorials are suggested to donor’s choice.