Steven Todd Herman

Steven Todd Herman, a retired professional firefighter with the Kalispell Fire Department, passed away unexpectedly on May 21, 2025, at his home in Thompson Falls. While we mourn his loss, we take comfort knowing Steve is at peace in God's presence.
Steve was born on Nov. 8, 1960, in Sidney. His family moved to Missoula, where he spent his first birthday, and later to Kalispell in 1965. Some of Steve's fondest childhood memories were with his grandparents, Tom and Lena Danielson, who cared for him while his parents worked. That bond shaped his desire to raise his own family close to loved ones.
He attended Trinity Lutheran kindergarten and Russell Elementary, quickly forming lifelong friendships. Steve developed a love for the outdoors - hiking, fishing, and hunting with his dad, grandpa, and cousins. His grandfather passed on skills in carpentry and mechanics. Together they built go-karts, lawnmowers, and fixed up cars. Steve's marksmanship stood out early - he proved a crack shot with any rifle, pistol, or bow. His dad learned to take the first shot when he had it, because Steve never missed.
At 12, Steve got his first paper route. That job sparked the work ethic that defined his life. Whether trimming Christmas trees in summer or working nights at Safeway, Steve was driven. He always made time for family. He loved teaching his younger brother things, like riding the Dirt King bike he purchased with money he earned. Thanks to that hard work, Steve also bought a used Rally Nova Sport in 1975 and used his skills to turn it into a street rod. This began his love of classic cars, including a Triumph TR4A, 1965 Mustang Fastback, and 1969 Camaro.
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Growing up, Steve prayed for a little brother. His prayers were answered when Jason arrived in 1970. He was proud of his curly-haired brother, always patient, protective, and loving. Steve attended Linderman for junior high, learning violin, trumpet, and tuba. He played in the marching and pep bands at Flathead High, graduating with honors in 1979. After high school, he studied at Flathead Valley Community College and later trained at Alamon Telecommunications to become a certified telephone repair technician.
Those young years passed too quickly, and Steve's mother remembers praying with him that their joyful days together would never end. As his childhood came to a close, a new and beautiful chapter began in 1980, when he met the love of his life, Margie Johnson. From the moment their paths crossed, a deep and lasting connection formed - one that was clearly touched by God's hand. Their love blossomed, and on July 8, 1981, they were united in marriage in Kalispell.
Shortly after their wedding, the joyful newlyweds moved to Basalt, Colorado, where Steve began working at Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Aspen. It was there they celebrated the arrival of their first child, Thomas, in 1985. During their time in Basalt, Steve also became a volunteer firefighter - a decision that would begin a lifelong calling of service to others. Though they formed many cherished friendships that felt like family, the pull of home brought them back to Kalispell for a new and exciting job opportunity. In 1989, their family was made complete with the birth of their youngest son, Mark.
In 1986, Steve joined the Kalispell Fire Department, beginning what would become a distinguished 23-year career of dedicated service. Known for his calm under pressure and unwavering work ethic, Steve rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1999 and captain in 2004, until his retirement in 2009. During his time at the department, he became a certified paramedic and also served as a SWAT medic, bringing advanced medical support to high-risk situations with quiet courage and precision. Never one to shy away from hard work, Steve also held several side jobs during his days off - driving for NUPAC, working at DCS, and later part-time at Glacier International Airport as the sole firefighter on duty, stationed in what was once the main control tower. Through long nights, difficult calls, and countless moments of sacrifice, Steve remained committed to serving others with integrity and heart.
In 2009, Steve retired from the Kalispell Fire Department, but his commitment to service continued. He joined the Montana Highway Patrol, bringing the same calm, integrity, and dedication that defined his career. After a brief time with the highway patrol, Steve retired again, ready to embrace a slower pace and spend more time with loved ones. Still, a quiet retirement wasn't quite for him. He took a job in maintenance at Logan Health, enjoying staying active and useful. He fully retired in 2022, though anyone who knew Steve knew he'd keep busy with hobbies.
Some of Steve's most cherished times were spent outdoors with his father, Don, and his sons, Thomas and Mark. Hunting and fishing together became treasured family traditions, filled with quiet moments, shared stories, and lasting lessons. One especially meaningful tradition was their annual trips to Cold Lakes - a time for just the four of them to connect, reflect, and enjoy the simple beauty of the wilderness. Steve used those trips to teach his boys not just outdoor skills, but core values - patience, respect for nature, and the importance of family. He took immense pride in the men they became and was their biggest supporter in all of life's pursuits. His love for them was steady, deep, and unconditional, always evident in the way he listened, encouraged, and stood by them. Those memories remain a lasting legacy of the deep bond between generations and the unwavering love of a devoted father.
Steve preferred listening over speaking. Humble to his core, he rarely spoke of his service - and many never knew the depth of his sacrifices. As his son Thomas said, "When Dad spoke, you listened." He had quiet wisdom, a deep love of history, and could answer nearly any question. Yet his humility meant he never made others feel small. He never needed to be the smartest person in the room - though he often was.
He'll be remembered for so much: his love of animals, especially how his voice softened into baby talk with his beloved English Labs; his infectious chuckle; and how he adored and spoke of his grandchildren. He was proud of Taylor and never missed a chance to brag about her. As Margie often said during their 44 years together, "He makes me a better person - even when I don't want to be!" Steve didn't just know right from wrong - he lived it daily. And he made others want to be better too, just by being himself.
Steve and Margie shared a beautiful life together, rooted in love, faith, and deep mutual respect. They built a home and raised a family in Kalispell, creating decades of memories filled with laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion. After years of service and dedication to their community, they both retired and, in 2023, fulfilled a longtime dream by building their forever home in Thompson Falls - a peaceful place where they could enjoy the fruits of their labor and the quiet beauty of the mountains together.
Their move was encouraged by Steve's childhood best friend, Hank Paul, and his wife, Sondra, who had already made Thompson Falls home. It didn't take long for Steve and Margie to fall in love with the community. They joined the Elks Club and local bowling league, and Steve joined the Thompson Falls Trap Club, where his sharp aim won him many steaks and a freezer full of bacon. Retirement brought new friendships, like Tom and Caroline Baldwin, peaceful days, and renewed joy.
This July would have marked 44 years of marriage. Their bond was not only evident in the way they supported each other through life's ups and downs, but also in the way their love inspired so many around them. Friends and family often looked to their relationship as a model of what love and loyalty truly look like, and their story will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Steve leaves behind the love of his life, Margie; his son Thomas and wife Jessica; his son Mark and wife Amy; and his grandchildren, Taylor, Blayke, Greyson, and Lena, who brought him immense joy. He also leaves behind his mother, Ardyce; his brother, Jason, and Jason's wife, Angela, and their children, Sydney, AJ, and Jack. He is mourned by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve's honor to the Kalispell Fire Department or the Thompson Falls Ambulance. The volunteer team in Thompson Falls showed exceptional skill and kindness during this difficult time, and contributions would be a heartfelt way to honor Steve's lifelong commitment to service and community.
The funeral will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell, with a gathering to follow at the Hilton Garden Center.
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