June 29, 2022

Stephen Edward Denty
August 1, 1981 - February 25, 2022

Stephen Edward Denty, born August 1, 1981, in Ogden, Utah, died unexpectedly at the age of 40 in Deer Lodge, Mont., on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 2. After mass, all are welcome to a brunch at the First Christian Church at 600 Fourth St.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Debbie Jackson; father, Tim Denty; three brothers, a sister, a daughter, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
In his youth, Steve loved complex puzzles and delighted in finding old machines that he could dismantle to figure out how they worked. He delivered papers and mowed lawns so he could build his own forge. He enjoyed camping, backpacking, snow skiing, scuba diving and rappelling.
In 4-H he earned purple ribbons for his demonstrations; in scouts he achieved Eagle.
At the age of 18, Steve was involved in a serious car accident which left him in a coma and fighting for his life. After his recovery, he served for five years as a volunteer with the Franciscan Friars in New York City.
The blue skies, fresh air and open space lured Steve back to Montana in 2006. The following year, while working construction, Steve fell 18 feet from a roof. He broke his back and shattered his heel. Prescription medications for the chronic pain offered some relief, but they often altered his easygoing demeanor.
Despite his chronic pain, Steve was still passionate about helping others. At the time of his death, he had plans to build shelters for homeless vets. Steve had a trusting, forgiving heart and was always willing to see the good in people, even those who took advantage of his generous nature. In his journey, Steve touched the lives and hearts of many people, and he is dearly missed.
A memorial fund has been opened at Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan, 401 Milwaukee, in Deer Lodge, to help his mom pay for funeral expenses.

---