Steve’s life may have been cut short, but he touched the hearts of many through his public service and quirky sense of humor. His legacy will live on through his family and friends, and numerous structural and cultural accomplishments he helped multiple communities realize.
Steve was born to Fred and Norma Golnar in Hannibal, MO on August 11, 1958. When Steve was 3 the family moved to CO where he resided until graduating from Western State College with a B.S. in Economics and Mathematics. He married Lorna Younger with whom he had three children- Elliott, Magdeline, and Andrew. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree at the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government in Government Administration. He worked as a City Manager for the communities of Kemmerer, WY (7 years), Livingston, MT (10 years), Salida, CO (2 years), and Rawlins, WY (4 years).
With any City Manager assignment there are challenges, and his time in Livingston was no exception, yet despite these challenges, Steve was proud to raise his children in Livingston where he met and married the love of his life, Gretchen Gabriel. They married on September 8, 2006 at the Murray Hotel in Livingston, MT. Some of his favorite pastimes were attending the sporting events of his kids, spending time with his family and friends, dancing, photography, painting, playing chess, wood working, skiing, charring meats, reading the names of business and street signs out loud, brewing and enjoying craft beers, collecting newspapers, and spending time outdoors on rivers and in the mountains. He was the type of guy to cry during a good movie, commercial, or during a good laugh. Anything he did, he did full heartedly and passionately- someone who truly enjoyed and appreciated the little things in life.
In 2005 Steve was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he was resilient and optimistic, and was able to continue working until 2013. Following his retirement, he and Gretchen moved to Loveland, CO. There they were involved with many innovative studies for MS. He continued to love big breakfasts, tawny brown coffee, nice scotch, wood working, games of chess, music, drawing, painting, constructing heartfelt letters and cards, the Denver Broncos, and his family and friends. His spirit, humor, and zest for life remained strong despite the effects MS had on his body. On August 24, 2019 he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. While this was devastating news he continued to push forward with a positive spirit up until his last breaths. He was elated to escort his daughter (Magdeline) down the aisle and celebrate her union with Dion Hall with friends and family on the dance floor in early March, 2020.
Steve is preceded in death by his father Fred Golnar. Steve is survived by his spouse Gretchen Golnar, his mother Norma Golnar, his children Elliott Golnar (spouse Rizalyn), Magdeline Hall (spouse Dion), Andrew Golnar, and his step-children Fred Maurillo (spouse Laura), Chris Maurillo, and Katie Pettyjohn (spouse Jared). He is also survived by his siblings Mark Golnar, Tom Golnar (spouse Kris Larson), Monica Szuch (spouse David), and Paul Golnar, and his grandchildren Jade Golnar, Ada & Corinne Maurillo and Landon Pettyjohn.
The family of Steve wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Kevin Felix for his patience and genuine care, the therapists and caregivers at Ability Home Healthcare who provided cheer and support, and to the Livingston community where Steve’s heart is and where he will be laid to rest
Donations may be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
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