Obituary - Steve Helmbrecht

Steve Helmbrecht, age 70, died of complications related to cancer October 21st, 2021, in Seattle, Washington.

Steve was born May 5th, 1951, in Havre, Montana, to parents Vernon and Toby Helmbrecht. He graduated from Havre High School and received his BA in journalism from the University of Montana in 1975. In 1973, he was elected to the Montana State House of Representatives from Havre. He also served his country in the Army National Reserve.

A lauded and accomplished photographer, in 1983, Steve bought Helmbrecht Photography from his father. While operating the studio, he received his master of photography and photographic craftsman degrees from the Professional Photographers of America. He served as president of the Professional Photographers of Montana in 1990 and 2005 and was elected Montana's representative to the Professional Photographers of America for six years. The Montana Professional Photographer's Association bestowed the "National Award for Service to the Photographic Profession" on Steve in 2010.

Steve was a true artist at his core and a renaissance man. He always dedicated himself to perfecting his many crafts.  In addition to his photography business, he was also a talented ceramicist. He taught ceramics for 18 years at Montana State University-Northern. He also was an avid cook and loved to share his culinary crafts with his family and friends.

A lifelong resident and avid supporter of Havre and Montana, Steve was a member of the Havre Chamber of Commerce since 1983 and a 40-year member of both the Havre Eagle and Elks lodges. He was exalted ruler of the Havre Elks Lodge in 1985. His photographs of the Hi-Line and its people are present all across the community. Steve felt honored to capture the natural beauty and grandeur of his home state and be a part of so many family histories.

Steve will be remembered for many things: his artistry and craftsmanship, his love of learning and teaching, his affinity to the Christmas season, his extraordinary sense of humor. But he always understood his greatest legacy to be his beloved children and the lessons that they might pass on from him; love of people, place and family.

Steve is survived by his son Keegan (Bellingham, WA); daughter, Jade (Havre, MT); and son Anders, (Cleveland, OH). He is also survived by his sister, Kathy (Gary) Enneberg of Cut Bank.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Dennis and Joe. He will truly be missed and never forgotten.

If you'd like to make a contribution to the community, donations can be sent to the Hi-Line Arts Council, the Archie Bray Foundation or the Montana Professional Photographers of America.

Services will be held:

WHEN: 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 6th

WHERE: St. Judes Catholic Church, 440 7th Ave, Havre, MT 59501

The service will be followed by a reception at the St. Jude's Social Hall inside the Parish Center.