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Stephen ‘Steve’ Mark Lebruska lost his long battle with depression on April 21, 2023, at the age of 61.
Steve was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on March 8, 1962, and was an amazing human being and loving son, brother, husband, and uncle. He deeply loved his wife and family and some of his greatest joys were his dogs, the music he performed, and connecting with nature — especially in the Rocky Mountains. Steve led an eclectic life. Growing up in Wyoming with his parents and two brothers, he enjoyed spending time in the mountains, going on family trips to Nebraska, and was active in church and Boy Scouts. In high school, he ran cross country, performed in school musicals, was an accomplished musician, swimmer, and skier, earned a position on the prestigious Sleeping Giant Ski Patrol, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, he earned his associate degree from Northwest Community College, then joined the United States Navy in March 1985 where he became an electronics technician (ET) and proudly earned the Search and Rescue Swimmer designation. During the first Gulf War, he served aboard the USS Richmond K. Turner out of Charleston, South Carolina, and ultimately achieved the rank of ET2. Shortly after joining the Navy, he married Kristine (Kristi) Haynes of Cody, Wyoming, in December 1985. In January 1991, Steve was honorably discharged from the Navy and he, Kristi, and their lovable pack of dogs moved to Billings, Montana, where they settled down. Steve created his own business which he named “Steve’s Planetary Maintenance” and became a jack of all trades. Initially, he focused on providing basic lawn care services, but his remarkable ability to learn new skills found him installing and maintaining in-ground sprinkler systems, installing home security systems, welding, sandblasting, fixing plumbing and electrical systems, manufacturing lighted safety flags for vehicles in mining operations, and becoming a certified home inspector.
One of Steve’s greatest passions was his love of music. He learned to play the saxophone and piano in junior high, and in high school he taught himself how to play the guitar. During his junior and senior years, he formed the first of many bands which performed at school dances and other community events. After high school, including his time aboard the USS Richmond K. Turner, he continued to play in bands performing mostly classic rock music from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
He also performed in multiple venues as a solo artist singing a variety of genres, but mostly songs from his favorite musician, John Denver.
Living in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Steve loved spending time outdoors, especially camping. His favorite childhood campground was Newton Creek in the Shoshone National Forest. Later in his youth, he relished being a camp counselor at the Buffalo Bill Boy Scout Camp and spending time in Yellowstone. After leaving the Navy and moving to Billings, he and Kristi found a special camping spot above Red Lodge that became their sanctuary. Additionally, Steve was an accomplished SCUBA diver and loved Husker football, bird watching, and watching satirical movies by such producers as Mel Brooks and the Monty Python British comedy troupe. His warped sense of humor, loving disposition, profound gift of encouragement, and abiding love and support he had from so many family and friends make it difficult to understand the severe depression he experienced. He is deeply missed and there will forever be a hole in our hearts.
Steve is survived by his wife Kristi and their cherished dogs of Billings, Montana; his parents Bob and Kay Lebruska of Powell, Wyoming; brother Stuart (Jennifer) Lebruska and nieces Makayla and Lauren of Topeka, Kansas; brother Scott Lebruska of Fort Collins, Colorado, and niece Samantha of Northfield, Vermont; father-in-law Sam Haynes of Billings, Montana; mother-in-law Sandy (John) Duty of Billings, Montana, brother-in-law Greg (Sheri) Haynes and nephew Christopher, niece Taylor, and great-nephew Zion Massey of Billings, Montana.
A memorial service for Steve is being planned for later this summer in Billings, Montana.
The family asks that donations, in lieu of flowers, be sent to the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter (www.YVAS.org,) the Rimrock Humane Society (www.rimrockhumanesociety.org), or an animal rescue group of your choice.
