Steve Bartenhagen, 64, passed away in Brighton CO on Dec 7, 2015.

Steve was born July 31, 1951 in Sheridan, WY to Harley and Mary (Moshovsky) Bartenhagen. He attended Holy Name school and Sheridan High School in Sheridan. Steve continued his education at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY where he received his Master's in Economics.

Following graduation, Steve moved to Cheyenne, WY where he worked for the State. He worked closely with the governor in Economic Development and Information Technology for several years. He moved to Denver, Colorado in 1984 and worked for the state of Colorado until his retirement in 2009.

Steve married Cathy Mease in 1982 and they had 2 children, Andrea and Nicholas. His children were a priority in his life. He loved to take them camping and fishing in the Big Horn Mountains. A month before his passing, even though the trip was difficult for him, he went to Phoenix to attend his son, Nick's wedding, because he truly loved his family and wanted to be there. Steve's friends also had a priority in his life. He never met a stranger that didn't become his friend. Steve accepted everyone with open arms; accepting them for who they were without criticism. Steve didn't have acquaintances, he had life long friends.

Steve loved to go motorcycling with his friends. They would spend a day biking on the Colorado mountainside or weeks vacationing on the open highway. He also liked to collect Thermos bottles. Over the years he had collected an amazing number of every size, style and color; antique to modern.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his daughter Andrea Bartenhagen Phoenix, AZ and son Nicholas (Sydney) Bartenhagen, Phoenix AZ, siblings Dave (Laurie) Bartenhagen Williston ND, Lexie (Bartenhagen) (Rolland) Culligan, Sheridan WY, Keith (Shelley)Bartenhagen, Bullard TX and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held in Sheridan, WY during the summer.

The Sheridan Press - Dec. 24, 2015.