Steve Barnard

Steven Douglas Barnard, 72, was born and raised in Mandan and was proud to say he spent his entire life on the “good side” of the river. Surrounded by the love of his family, Steve passed away peacefully and on his own terms on Sunday, June 28, 2026, after an 18-month battle with cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan. Private family burial will take place at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Steve met the love of his life, Deb (Kubista), and from the moment they married on August 19, 1972, the two built a life defined by unwavering devotion to each other and to their family. Together they built a home that reflected Steve’s craftsmanship and creativity. While he let someone else build the house, Steve spent years teaching himself every trade imaginable, transforming nearly every room and detail until it truly became their own.

Steve retired from BNSF Railway in January 2015, after 44 years as a locomotive engineer. He took great pride in his work and believed there was value in doing every job well. His strong work ethic wasn’t something he talked about—it was something he lived every day.

Steve was known for his quick wit and perfectly timed one-liners. His dry sense of humor could catch anyone off guard, and his grandsons loved repeating his sayings long after he had delivered them. He had a gift for making people laugh without ever trying too hard.

He found peace outdoors. Whether tending his yard, planting and caring for trees, or happily pulling a bucket full of weeds, Steve found joy in simple work done with his own hands. He enjoyed woodworking, could fix just about anything, and if he didn’t know how to do something, he’d teach himself. When the work was done, there was often blues music playing in the background.

Steve had so much pride watching his grandsons, Rylen and Reese. Whether cheering from the stands or simply spending time with them, he treasured every opportunity to watch them grow and become the young men they are today.

More than anything, Steve cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and someone his family could always count on. His quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, generous heart, and unmistakable sense of humor leave a legacy that will continue to live on in all who knew him.

Steve is lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 54 years, Deb Barnard; his daughter, Stacey and her husband Troy Kautzman; his grandsons, Rylen and Reese Kautzman; his siblings, James Barnard, Laura Kalvoda, and Nancy Smith; along with his brothers- and sister-in-law Wayne Kubista, Alan Bernier, and Twila Robertson; mother-in-law, Myrna Kubista; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Jeremy Barnard and his parents, Raphael and Aldene Barnard.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Seth Maliske and the many doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Roger Maris Cancer Center who cared for Steve throughout his cancer journey. Your compassion, skill, and kindness will never be forgotten.

Steve’s family will think of him whenever blues music fills the room, a woodworking project takes shape, another tree is planted, or a bucket of weeds is pulled from the yard. In those simple moments, they’ll remember a man who taught them the value of hard work, found joy in caring for what he loved, and loved his family with his whole heart.