Joseph Patrick Sternhagen
Helena, MT 1.4.2026
Joe Sternhagen left this world after 61 wonderful and engaging years. He was a passionate father, a fun-loving son, a loyal friend, and a faithful Catholic.
Joe was born November 16, 1964 in Glasgow, MT to parents William and Joyce Sternhagen. As a child, Joe quickly developed a strong work ethic, and excelled at outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. He also found success as an athlete in football, tennis, and ski racing.
After graduating from Helena High School in 1983, Joe attended Butte Tech as a receiver on the football team. He transferred to Montana State University to continue playing football while pursuing a masters degree in law. He practiced law with his father Bill for several years, and later became an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Montana, and resided in similar positions for over 20 years. The latter 7 years of Joe’s career saw him transition to life on the road as a semi truck driver for Crete Carrier Corporation. He travelled the U.S. every week, and enjoyed discussing the places he saw around the country.
Joe was a loving father of two— Morgan and Colter Sternhagen. He clocked in as a humorous brother to siblings William, Ann, and Maggie, and will be remembered as a good-hearted friend to many. He embodied hard work, dedication, and was always going to make you laugh. He continued pursuing hobbies throughout his life, and although we wish we had more time with him, the lessons and values that Joe passed down to his family are invaluable. Joe had a deep love for his family and friends, and those who knew him, regularly felt his charm and affection.
A funeral service for Joe Sternhagen will be held on May 16th at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, MT at 11am. Family and close friends are invited to come and pay their respects. A reception at Uncommon Ground Reality will follow the burial service starting around 1p, where photographs and special items will be honored in Joe’s memory.
Rest in peace, dear father. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever. May God be with you, until we meet again.
Service Schedule
Burial
11:00am
Saturday May 16, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Burial
11:00am
Saturday May 16, 2026
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Freddi says
Ann – I am sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Nilan says
Gosh. Bill and Ann… I’m so sorry for your loss. I can still remember Joe as a little tyke on Wilder Ave. God Bless.
Lance Zanto says
Joe was a great friend and I will miss him dearly. God speed my friend!
Kathleen Broussard says
Morgan and Colter
We are so very sorry about your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
Prayers
Keith, Kathleen, and Kory Broussard
Anne Charpentier says
Rest in peace dear cousin. Love and peace to the entire Sternhagen family.
Rose says
Joe will always be thought of as such a beautiful part of the Class of 83 & beyond!!! He will be missed so very much by all who knew & loved him!! RIP Dear friend, brother, son, father, cousin, uncle!!
Kerry (Ware) Hughes says
Maggie and family,
I’m sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. May special memories and thoughts of your sweet brother soften the pain in your heart. We hurt because we loved so deeply. God bless you all and know the Ware family is praying for you all.
Kerry (Ware) Hughes
Greg and Cathy Kovich says
We are very sorry to hear about Joe. Many hunting stories and adventures were shared by Dave Morgan. We lift you in our thoughts and prayers Joyce and family.
Dean Retz says
My family learned of Joe’s passing, and have been waiting to read his obituary. I knew his father very well, and we all watched Colter paying baseball. GOD BLESS
Nancy White says
My deepest Condolences, I’m so sorry to hear of this loss. Joe was a very good man.
Mary Goplen says
Mary Opitz Goplen
Ann I am thinking of you and your family
God bless.
Winnie and Tony Strainer says
Our deepest condolences.
Monica Trevor Reed says
I will always remember Joe on the ski slopes and tennis court! He was an exceptional athlete. God bless you all with peace during this sad time of loss.♥️
Morgan Sternhagen says
For those interested, we are hoping to keep the burial more private and intimate for close family and friends and wish to make the reception after more of a public event. Thank you.
Rachel Morrison Lund says
Sternhagen Family,
I am so very sorry – I know your hearts are breaking. All of you, including Joe, were very special to me growing up. Sending you so much love and holding you all close to my heart.
BJA says
Ann and Family ~Our deep condolences for your loss of Joe. The Sternhagen/Morgan families were an important part of Newell’s family. With gratitude for a life of service,
Bonne (Newell), Forrest, & Kimberly