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Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 1:52 PM

STEVE J. SMITH

STEVE J. SMITH

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 (Pogany) 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. It was his role as husband, father, and papa that 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 (Dinger) Smith, and the family they created. He is survived by his children: Jarret Smith (Dani), Jami Lemire (Ben), Kyle Smith (Jenny), and grandchildren: Gauge, Rex, Lily and Leo. By his siblings: Fran Martins, Delia Culp (John), Ruth Nelson (Terry), Neil Smith (Denise) and Tim Smith. As well as the many friends he met along the way.

Celebration of life for Steve will be April 13th 3-6pm at Todd’s Tavern Amherst, SD


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Poll: REGIONS FOR AMBULANCE SERVICE? A legislative task force is considering a plan to organize South Dakota’s ambulance services into eight to 14 regions, potentially with state oversight and funding to help keep emergency medical services sustainable. The proposal comes as many ambulance services face financial challenges, low reimbursement rates and an aging, often volunteer workforce. Lawmakers say the goal is to ensure an ambulance can respond when someone calls 911, but establishing the regions and determining how they would be funded could take years. Do you support creating regional ambulance service systems with state oversight and potential state funding?