Steven Ronald "Steve" Hadnagy

Steven Ronald Hadnagy passed away in Butte, Montana on Saturday, August 1, 2026. He was born Wednesday, November 30, 1938, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Helen and Frank Hadnagy. Steven was raised in Bow Island, Alberta, a small rural prairie town of less than 700 people. He graduated along with a class of 11 students from Senatore Gershaw High School in 1957. After graduation, Steve left home and went on to attend Olds School of Agriculture where he completed his two-year course of study in one year. He had a dream of becoming a county extension agent and working with young people in the 4-H program. At about age 14 Steve had a desire to join the Boy Scouts, however, there was no scout troop in his town, so he became instrumental in organizing one. His commitment along with finding adult leadership, community support and about 30 young boys who had the desire to become Boy Scouts, resulted in the formation of Bow Island Troop # 1. He advanced and became Patrol Leader, Troop Leader and Rover Scout, culminating in 1955 when he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Later Steve and one additional scout from Troop # 1 were selected to attend the Eighth World Boy Scout Jamboree, held at Niagara-in-the-Lakes with thirteen thousand scouts from around the world. The second part of his dream, 4-H, was realized during his freshman year at Montana State College. He earned the right to represent his province at the National 4-H competitions at the Canadian National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario. Returning to college to pursue his career in Vocational Agriculture, he started his years of service and activities at Montana State College. He was selected as Montana’s outstanding sophomore in agriculture. As a result, he earned a Ralston Purina Scholarship to their corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as a leadership scholarship to Sara Lawrence College that same summer. Returning from Sara Lawrence College in New York City, Steve was elected to the Montana State College Student Senate as commissioner of judging teams and publications. Serving as Commissioner of Publications led to his start in photography and publications. He became photo editor of the college yearbook, “The Montanan.” The following year he was selected to serve as editor of the yearbook. His experience as a Senate Commissioner, photo editor and editor as well as his affiliation with his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, and the unbelievable relationship that developed between him and the printer of the university yearbook launched his career as a professional photographer. July 1963 resulted in two additional dreams coming true. First, his engagement to his college sweetheart, Janet Leistiko and subsequently their marriage on August 3, 1963. Secondly, on July 5, 1963, with the help of Wheelwright Press from Salt Lake City, Steve and Jan purchased their first photographic studio, the Montgomery Studio in Bozeman, Montana. While growing their new business, Janet used her elementary education degree and became a grade school teacher in Belgrade, Montana. During his tenure as a Bozeman photographer, Steve grew and advanced in his new profession. He was elected to serve as president of the Montana State Photographers Association, president of the Rocky Mountain Professional Photographers Association, as well as a four-time delegate to the National Professional Photographers Association Annual Convention. In 1968, the Hadnagy’s sold their Bozeman and Livingston operations and moved their processing facility, Big Sky Color Lab to Butte. That same year saw the biggest change in Hadnagy’s professional life! Janet left teaching and became a full-time partner in the business. She worked side by side with her husband until their retirement from Photography in April of 2019. Together they also ran the Butte Fram Shop for 17 years. As a fourth-generation Montanan, Janet fell in love with Butte’s history as well as its people. Steve threw his talents and ambitions into his business and the community. Along with service to his associations, Steve earned 1st place awards for his photography of men, women and children. He was named, “Photographer of the Year” by both the Montana Professional Photographers Association, as well as the Rocky Mountain Photographers Association. 1973 was the culmination of many years of competition, Steve was presented with the prestigious, “Master of Photography – Photographic Craftsman” degree during a ceremony in Detroit, Michigan. At the time of this presentation, Steve was one of only three Montanans to hold this coveted degree from the Professional Photographers of America. For the last 40 years, Steve was instrumental in the Lions Club in Butte and Anaconda as well as southern Alberta. He was President of mini clubs in Butte and Anaconda and he was District Governor for the Montana and Southern Alberta Lions Club. Steve is survived by his wife of 63 years. Janet Hadnagy, sons and daughter-in-law, Steve and Gina Hadnagy and Nick Hadnagy, daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Jesse Stillwagon, 20 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, aunt and uncle, Alex and Irene Onody, brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Rosella Hadnagy, sisters and brothers-in-law, Delores and Chuck Woynarski and Carol and Dave Nims as well as seven nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, August 28th at 1 PM in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lions Club.

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Steven Ronald "Steve" Hadnagy

November 30, 1938 - August 1, 2026