STEVEN RAYMOND SIEFERT

            On the evening of Friday 19, 2016, following a valiant seven year battle, the world lost a loving and  caring man just days before his 39th birthday. Steven Raymond Siefert of Hardwick passed from this world surrounded by his loving family. Steve was born to Charles R. “Chuck” Siefert and Janet Vannatta Siefert in Helena Montana on February 24, 1977. He was an independent soul from an early age. He was an adventurous risk-taker. He gained a love of downhill skiing at the age of 8. He enjoyed skateboarding and was involved in a campaign to have the City of Helena add a skate park. Steve moved to Havre, Montana after graduating from Helena High School in 1995. While he attended Montana State University-Northern he met Lori Keeley. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Technology, and then Steve and Lori moved to Metro-Detroit where he worked at the Ford Technical Service Hotline. On November 23, 2000, Steve and Lori were married in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. They then moved to Massachusetts to start their new life together. They were blessed with their first child, a daughter, Melanie Ray, on July 19, 2002. Their family was completed with the birth of their son, Joshua Evan, on January 16, 2007. Steve was employed at the Ford Boston Regional Office as a Field Service Engineer, before becoming the Technical Operations Coordinator. He returned to field service until becoming Zone Manager. At the time of his death, Steve was the Business Development Specialist for the Boston Region. Steve was an avid skier and automotive enthusiast. He truly enjoyed spending time at their condo in Smuggler’s Notch VT. He found great pleasure in hiking, disc golfing and camping. He always appreciated a bargain , and was well- known for seldom paying full price for anything. Above all else he enjoyed being a father. People were immediately drawn to Steven and his zest for life. His smile and sense of humor were contagious. Family, friends and neighbors remember him fondly for his compassion, generous heart and willingness to help in  any way he could. He danced like no one was watching and never missed an opportunity to karaoke. He was known for elaborate Halloween costumes and enjoyed making a production of any holiday. He stayed connected to his many cousins and friends across great distances.  Steve was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Raymond Siefert, his maternal grandparents Leonard and Ella Vannatta, his cousins Jessica, Nick and Nathan Vannatta and his nephew Mark Keeley. He is survived by his wife and children of Hardwick, his parents Chuck (Martha Dutch)  Siefert of Helena MT, and Janet Vannatta of Lewiston, MT, his paternal grandmother Gladys Siefert of Walnut Creek CA, his nephews , James Malley, Jacob Springer, Zach Malley and Austin Murray of Kalispell MT, and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Calling Hours will be held on Friday February 26, 2016 from 11:00am to 1:00pm at the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant St., Ware MA. A Memorial Luncheon will follow starting  at 1:30pm at the Hardwick Winery located at 3305 Greenwich Rd. in Hardwick. Memorial donations on Steve’s behalf can be made to the American Brain Tumor Association.