Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series:
Tribute
Folder:
DIG
Item:
23648
Title:
Steve L. Oyloe
Date:
2/10/1955-10/10/2017
Creator:
Inscription/Marks:
2/10/1955
Summary:
Steve Lewis Oyloe, 62, Williston, ND, passed away after a short illness October 10, 2017, at the Polidori Hospice House in Lake Havasu City, AZ. His memorial service was held October 23, 2017, at the McCody Concrete Headquarters, with Rev. Mark Bekkedahl officiating. Cremation had taken place and inurnment was in Riverview Cemetery, Williston.
Steve Lewis Oyloe arrived on this earth February 10, 1955, and the world was never the same. He brought passion and a zest for life that proved to be a blessing for all
who knew him.
Steve was born to Clifford and Ruth (Henriksen) Oyloe in Williston. He lived, worked in, and contributed to the Williston community throughout most of his life. The youngest in a family of three boys, he quickly learned from the mistakes made by his older brothers both at home and at school, but still managed to make a few along the way himself. This zest for life allowed him to enjoy to the fullest the benefits of growing up in Williston and the surrounding area.
Steve was a gifted athlete. As a youngster he participated in Williston Recreation sports programs, often playing on championship teams. He later participated in football, basketball, and track programs as a Williston Coyote. He was an accomplished marksman, qualifying as a National Rifle Association Pro-Marksman at age 16. This skill served him well as he enjoyed hunting deer, antelope, and pheasants from an early age, first with his Dad and later with wife Jo and friends. Many people never knew Steve could play the piano, but he played it quite well. Despite his busy sports, academic, and social activities, he managed to take piano lessons for years and participated in many
recitals sponsored by his teachers, Barbara Tinnenenko and Victoria Stong.
Following graduation from Williston High School in 1973, Steve enrolled in the accounting program at the University of Arizona, earning his bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1977. He began his professional career as a certified public accountant following graduation, but, to be fair, he honed his business skills and work ethic at a much younger age.
As a youth he was blessed to assist his aunt, Agnes Gessner, selling 4th of July fireworks at her sales stand east of Bainville, MT. This was a transformative experience as it not only exposed him to dealing with the public, it also instilled in Steve the importance of responsibility. Aunt Agnes also asked Steve to help with chores on the Gessner farm early in the morning and late at night.
Throughout Steve’s youth and high school years, his Dad ensured that if he was not involved in sports or school he would be involved with operations at the family business, Oyloe Auto Wrecking. Dad treated Steve like a regular part of the crew having Steve drive trucks to haul wrecked autos in from all over the MonDak region, removing and selling parts from cars, and literally cutting up cars to separate iron and sheet metal for sale as scrap. This was rough, hard work, but Dad gave Steve and brother Keith freedom to operate so the venue provided them many opportunities for hijinks rarely experienced by others: crashing vehicles, smashing windows, and creating small explosions and unexpected fires to name a few, but these experiences at the fireworks stand and the Oyloe business provided Steve the foundation for his hugely successful accounting career.
In 1977 Steve began working for the accounting firm now known as Eide Bailly CPAs & Business Advisors in Dickinson, ND. Later he joined Reichert Fisher, PC (later Brady, Martz & Associates, PC) opening an office in Williston in November 1983. He was appointed partner in January 1984. Steve was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts and the North Dakota Society of Certified Public Accountants, serving on several committees of the State Society. He was also incredibly active in his community as a member of the Noon Lions Club, Toastmasters, board member of the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for Mercy Medical Center, and board member of the Mercy Medical Foundation, and as president of the Williston Star Fund. His personal and professional life were characterized by his ready smile, sense of humor, dignity, and common sense. He cared deeply for his family, friends, and clients.
Steve married Jami Leinen while attending the University of Arizona. Jami and Steve were blessed with three children, Jake, Bryan, and Stephanie. The marriage ended in 1991. Steve and Jolene Garman Sondrol were married June 4, 1993, bringing Jo’s children, Tiffany and Chris, into the family.
In 2013 Steve departed Brady Martz and became manager of Bakken Opportunity Fund Management, LLC. He enjoyed his work with the firm immensely and was associated with the firm until his passing. Steve loved his wife Jolene and family, Jacob, Bryan, Stephanie, Tiffany, and Chris. He was so proud of them and all they did, no matter how big or small. Time spent with family and friends was one of the things he treasured most. As a family, they enjoyed numerous activities together including camping, boating, and hunting. His trips to Sturgis with Jo on their Harley-Davidson were legendary. He had a passion for the Missouri River, not only for the joy of boating and camping with family, but also for the solitude of many trips floating quietly down the river, often at night, with brother Keith. The river gave Steve peace.
Steve is survived by his wife, Jo; daughters, Stephanie Oyloe and Tiffany (Steve) Johnson; sons, Jacob Oyloe, Bryan Oyloe, and Chris Sondrol; his grandsons, Aryan Wold and Erick and Hunter Johnson; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Keith and Pam Oyloe and Myron and Susan Oyloe; and many nephews and niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ronald.
Red ID: FND_I_74316 Image ID: 555524 Image Notes: FND001 23648
