Obituary of Steve J Smith

Steve J Smith, (69), “Old Guy,” a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, and friend passed away on March 17, 2024 surrounded by family. Steve was born to Floyd and Edythe Smith on June 15, 1954 in Britton, South Dakota. A Britton native through and through, his life and legacy will be deeply embedded in the community and with the family he loved.
 

While Steve left us far too soon, he held many titles in his life from Firefighter/EMT, club fitter, golfer and storyteller, but his role as husband, father and papa gave him purpose. His legacy will be carried on by the grandchildren he adored. He loved nothing more than spending time with Gauge, Lily, Leo, and Rex. Each of them will remember his silly antics and mini-muffin baking skills. 

An avid golfer, Steve found solace in the serenity of the golf course. His love for nature stemmed from being on the farm and his countless hours farming. Don Fredrickson, his mentor, taught him how to golf and how to fit custom clubs. Steve would custom fit whomever walked into the garage–and even helped golfers on the course. Steve taught his wife, Jill, and each of his children Jarret, Jami and Kyle how to golf. He shared both the skills and etiquette it takes to cherish the game.

Steve could tell story after story in a way that could captivate any audience. His life experiences created unbelievable stories. Whether saving lives or sharing adventures with friends, he told stories that left you laughing or learning. He became a familiar face no matter where he went and would strike up a conversation literally anywhere–at the gas pump, in the grocery store, in the club house or on the course. Telling stories was his superpower. 

Steve’s memory is honored and kept alive by his amazing wife, Jill, and the family they created. He is survived by his children: Jarret (Dani), Jami (Ben), Kyle (Jenny), and grandchildren: Gauge, Rex, Lily and Leo. By his siblings: Fran, Delia, Ruth, Neil and Tim and the many friends he met along the way.

Celebration of life for Steve will be April 6th in Minnesota and April 13th in South Dakota