Edward Shawn Stefanatz, “Little Ed” 43, died in an automobile accident on November 12th. The accident also tragically took the life of two of his other family members, Tesa and Zach Rhoads. Ed and his family were returning home from a day of hunting out West of Kalispell, something that he dearly loved.
Ed was born in Kalispell on September 4 th , 1973, the son of Edward and Hazel Burnside Stefanatz. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up attending grade school at Elrod School and Flathead High School, eventually obtaining his GED. He attended Electrical Apprentiship courses at Flathead Valley Community College, and worked with his father’s electric business, Ed’s Electric, and also for Gary Collier with Kalispell Neon. He later worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator, and Truck Driver. Ed was happiest when working with his hands and helping someone out. His latest project was remodeling his Mom’s house, a project he sadly did not complete.
Ed was an avid outdoors man. He truly lived to hunt and fish in the great Montana outdoors. He loved to catch up with family members or friends talking about his latest adventure hunting or biggest fish caught. His passion started out as a toddler hunting and fishing alongside his father. It is where his spirit was most content.
Ed did not marry or have children of his own. In 2015, he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Tesa Rhoads. Ed and Tesa were both the happiest they have been in their lives. They found in each other a deep love of family and the outdoors. Tesa was able to keep Ed in line, and we all loved her for it. Ed loved Tesa’s children, Tyler 23, Zach 16 and Hunter 7. They were planning to marry and spend their lives together.
Ed loved his nieces and nephew. His greatest joy was taking them on fishing and camping trips. He was a fun-loving, doting, proud, and protective Uncle. He loved each of them for their unique gifts and was a patient and gentle guide in their lives.
Ed had many lifetime friends. His smile, twinkling eyes and mischievous laugh were irresistible. He was loving, kind, funny, generous and loyal. He was a person others would go to when they were in need of a big hug, a laugh, or to go fishing. Eddie’s life was not easy, he fought some challenges and was just now coming through them. In fact, he preferred the less-traveled, more challenging road of life. He loved the adventure and had more friends there! Lifelong friends include Bobby Shephard, Kevin Pettyjohn, Ray Palmer, Boyce Ballard, Jason Hatten, Robert Bosley and many more.
Ed is survived by his mother, Hazel Stefanatz and father, Ed Stefanatz, his sister Shelly (Eric)Smith and their three daughters, Cassidy, Kaycee, and Kate, his sister Carrie (Ted) Burnham and their children, Claire and Cameron, and his beloved hunting dog, Kid, all living in Kalispell, Aunts and Uncles Nancy (Vince) Jarvis, and John Stefanatz, Bill (Cheris) Collier and many dear cousins.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Glen and Mabel Burnside and Rudy and Agnes Stefanatz, Uncles Rex Burnside, Ray (Marie) Burnside, Jake (Elsie) Burnside, and Aunts Fay (Teddy) Mee, Gay (Duane) Rose and Sue (Gordon) Nesten, and beloved hunting dogs Boone and Crockett.
A memorial service honoring Ed, and saying goodbye to Tesa and Zach will be held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home at 2:00pm on Friday November 18, 2016, followed by a celebration of his life at the Eagles in downtown Kalispell. The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support at this time. We would encourage everyone to spend a day outdoors fishing or hunting with your family in his honor.
A memorial fund for Hunter, who survived the accident has been set up at Whitefish Credit Union Memorial for Hunter Rein Account # 988652. 234 E Montana St, Kalispell, MT 59901