Stephen William "Drift" Kranich, 67, of Helena, passed away in his home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.Steve was born in Helena, MT, December 29, 1953, where he was adopted by George Dean, and Evelyn (Mulvaney) Kranich. Steve grew up in the South Hills of Helena attending school at Central Elementary, Helena Junior High, and finally Helena High School. Steve graduated from Helena High in 1972. While in school, Steve had developed a passion for playing the drums. He was so motivated to play drums he would walk home from school, carrying his drums. His passion for drums never wavered, and he was very talented. Steve couldn't wait to see the world, and even encouraged his children to see more. Steve enlisted in the United States Navy in January of 1973 where he was a photographic analyst. Steve served in Alaska, Japan, and San Diego before returning to Montana, where he met his wife. Steve met Loretta Kremer in 1978 after returning from the Navy. Steve and Loretta were married, in Helena, February 14, 1980, and started to build their life. Steve had become a father in an instant to his stepdaughter, Christina, whom he later adopted and raised as his own child. In 1981, his daughter Sheila came into the world. Steve made his home in Helena, raising his daughters in the house that he was raised in. Steve worked in various fields until finally landing with the State of Montana, Quality Assurance Division of Department of Health and Human Services where he retired in May 2021. In Steve's spare time, he loved to stay active. In his younger years, he loved to play softball, golf, and basketball. He also enjoyed social time with friends. In recent years, playing sports was more difficult, but Steve stayed active by working out at home. Steve enjoyed playing video games so that he could compare notes with his grandchildren, although he would get frustrated and just give the games to them instead. Steve was a life-long die-hard fan of the LA Dodgers, as well as the Raiders. He could be heard cheering the loudest when his team scored or yelling the loudest when they didn't. Steve was known for his gruff appearance (and attitude) but you never had to question where you stood with Steve, he would let you know. Even with his gruff appearance, Steve would do whatever he could to protect the people he cared for. Steve is survived by his wife, Loretta Kranich, his daughters Christina (Scott) Kranich, Sheila (Chuck) Kranich, his grandchildren Clint (Shelby) Norcutt, Anda (Jacob) Forrest, Jack (Jayde) Strong, Alayna Kranich, Mersades (Niklaus Arik) Kranich, and various nieces and nephews.Steve is preceded in death by his parents, George Dean Kranich, Evelyn (Mulvaney) Kranich, his siblings "Baby" Kranich, and Gary Kranich and his Mother-in-Law Elizabeth Heffner.A Celebration of Life will be held at Jester's Bar November 20, 2021, at 1 p.m. A GoFundMe has been established to help offset the after-death expenses."Every story has an end; but in life every end has a new beginning." -Anonymous