Steven Fisk, 54

Steven Thomas Fisk, 54, was born on Aug. 7, 1971, in American Falls, Idaho, to Robert and Linda Fisk. He passed away unexpectedly on March 15, 2026, in Great Falls — and nothing about that feels right.

Steve grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, graduating from Pocatello High School before earning his degree in sports management from Idaho State University. Sports were his first love — his lifelong obsession, really — until he met Kelly. After that, sports became what he lovingly referred to as his "dirty mistress." Fridays might have been reserved for his wife, but by Saturday, he was emotionally unavailable and fully committed to football.

Steve and Kelly met while serving as campus pastors with Chi Alpha Campus Ministries. Steve told everyone that Kelly stalked him into marriage, but if you knew Kelly, you know that version of events is … bold. The truth is somewhere in the middle, but what matters is that they found each other. A year later, Steve put a ring on it, and Kelly became his partner in everything — and, according to him, a "kept woman" for the rest of their nearly 18 years together.

They began their life in Bozeman, where they served together in ministry. And then, as Steve would say, things escalated quickly. Approximately 56 seconds after their wedding, they were expecting their first child — a son. Nine months later, life said, "Let’s do that again," and along came a daughter.

For reasons still unclear (and possibly related to a conspiracy involving Idaho potatoes), the Fisk family briefly relocated to Idaho. While they did gain a beautiful baby girl during that time, Idaho ultimately rejected them, and Montana welcomed them back like the prodigal family they were. It was in Montana that they found their people — the kind of community that becomes family. A few years later, they completed their crew, becoming the Fisk five with the addition of one more daughter — their sweet and spicy "Sour Patch Kid."

Steve spent over a decade working in IT management and analytics. About six months ago, he stepped into a new role with the Montana Department of Corrections at the Pre-Release Center. It was a role he was proud of and one he truly enjoyed showing up for each day.

Before that, Steve spent 10 years coaching college football, including at his alma mater, Idaho State University, and at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. Coaching gave him the chance to be part of something bigger, to show up for others, and to invest in people in his own steady, quiet way.

Steve was not your typical man — and we made sure he knew it. Often. He was silly in a way that couldn’t be taught. A walking collection of dad jokes, completely off-the-wall comments, and moments that made you stop and think, "What just came out of his mouth?" His kids say it best: he was a goofball. Not always funny — but always committed.

He said things so ridiculous they earned their own category: #hashtagstuffstevesays. If you want a glimpse into his mind … just know you’ve been warned.

About 97% of Steve’s wardrobe was sports-related. He was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan and equally loyal to the LSU Tigers — loudly, proudly, and without apology. If either organization offered refunds for lifelong dedication, the family might not be worrying about funeral expenses right now. His love for sports ran deep — but never deeper than his love for his family.

And despite what people might assume, Steve genuinely loved going to Disneyland. He didn’t just go along with it — he embraced it. His favorite shirt read, "Real men wear Mickey ears," and he wore it proudly, because loving his family meant showing up for what they loved, too.

That was Steve.

He showed up.

He took care of his family. He gave everything he had — his time, his energy, his heart — again and again without hesitation. Everything he did pointed back to them.

And we will spend the rest of our lives missing him.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, William Frank Adamek, Anna Christine Adamek, Francis Bernard Fisk and Isabel Barry Fisk.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 18 years, Kelly Kirksey Fisk and their three children, ages 16, 15, and 11. He is also survived by his parents, Robert and Linda Fisk of Boise, Idaho; his siblings, Patrick Fisk of Boise, Idaho; Chris and Jessie Fisk of Portland, Oregon; and Rebecca and David Martin of Boise, Idaho, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at noon on March 28 at Family Christian Life Church in Kalispell, followed by a celebration of Steve’s life at 1 p.m. A graveside service will take place immediately after, and then we’ll gather back at the church for a meal — honestly, what would have been Steve’s favorite part, just sitting together with the people he loved.

In honor of Steve, the family asks that you wear a sports jersey instead of formal attire. Steve hated dressing up and would be personally offended if you showed up uncomfortable in a suit. And no, it doesn’t have to be Steelers gear … but if you show up in black and yellow — or maybe a little LSU purple and gold — he might just put in a good word for you upstairs.

From his wife, Kelly:

Steven,

I’m so mad at you.

You spent your whole life spoiling me, taking care of your family, and giving until there was nothing left to give. Your goal in life was to make me happy … and now what am I supposed to do?

I’ve said it so many times — you were too good for this world. Your heart was too pure. You gave everything you had, and you did it so well.

You accomplished what you were here to do.

So go … go rest at the feet of your Savior, right where you belong.

But just know — the hole you leave is immeasurable.

And for the record, I’m not forgiving you for making me learn the trash schedule or how to work the snowblower. You’re going to have to live with that on your conscience for eternity.

I love you. Always.

    Steven Fisk, 54