Steven Fetveit, 72

Steven Martin Fetveit, 72 of Kalispell, MT 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, MT 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 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, MT; Kimberly, of Clyde Park, MT; Natalya and her husband, Aaron, of Great Falls, MT; Chad and his wife Lindsay Jo, of Kalispell; Lindsay Rae, of Kalispell; and Michelle, of Los Angeles, CA. He also leaves two brothers, Gary, and his wife Diane, of Kalispell and Richard and his partner David of Omaha, NE, as well as ten grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Celebration of Steven's Life, will take place on March 31st at 4:30 pm at the Elk's Lodge in Kalispell, MT. 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 [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Inter Lake on Mar. 26, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Fetveit

11 Entries

April 13, 2023

May your memories give you peace and comfort of your loved one. Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for the loss of your loved one. May GOD be with you all during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we have faith that Jesus died and rose again, so too God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in death through Jesus.

Chaplain Bob Van Allen

April 10, 2023

I can picture Steven running through the fields of heaven...Malachi 4:2. Chaplain Bob, Hospice of the Valley

Dawn Rene and Les

April 2, 2023

So sorry about Steve - - he was a very nice man.

Love, Dawn Rene and Les

Planted Trees

Melissa Loomis

April 1, 2023

Love and prayers to the family.

Dave and Becky

April 1, 2023

Dave and I visited with Steve several times. Such a nice man with a smile always. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Dave and Becky

Jim Dowen

March 30, 2023

You will be missed! We know you are in Heaven!

Jim and Darlene Dowen

Jim Dowen

March 29, 2023

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Charlie Henrich

March 27, 2023

I had the pleasure of working with Steve from 2005 through 2008. When I came to KECI, KCFW and KTVM Steve was the Sales manager overseeing all the station sales efforts for Western Montana. Steve was doing a fine job as the sales manager, but it became pretty clear to me and to others (Jean Z.), that Steve's true calling was to tell the stories of our community. When he returned to the anchor desk, he picked up right where he left off. A trusted voice for our viewers and a friend they invited into their homes on a regular basis. Steve had the ability to make viewers feel like he was speaking directly to them, and he was, just like your neighbor next door, your pal who always shot you straight, good, bad or indifferent.

Steve was a leader in our station and every employee looked up to him. I'm certain Steve knew the weight his words carried in our building. That said, his words were always encouraging, and supportive.

Steve was a kind man, who made others feel like their contribution was making a difference in the lives of those who trusted our television stations. He challenged us everyday to give the viewers the information they needed to make life just a little bit easier.

Steve was the face of the stations he worked at but he was so much more to those who worked with him. For many who follow their hearts into broadcasting, Western Montana is usually a place to start a career. The lucky ones had the chance to work with and learn from Steve.

Steve Fetveit was a gentleman to the core, a man who treated everyone with respect. A class act who made us all a little bit better and helped make the "Last Best Place" the best.

Rest In Peace

Charlie Henrich

Justin

March 27, 2023

I'm so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I remember being a kid and listening to the news before school and Steve was broadcasting. May he RIP.