Obituary: Owen Leroy Smith, 60, of Garretson, South Dakota

Owen Leroy Smith: A Life Measured by Connections and Community

Owen Leroy Smith, a man whose life spanned the agricultural landscapes of North Dakota to the close-knit community of Garretson, South Dakota, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026. He was 60 years old. According to the Minnehaha Funeral Home & Cremation Services, his death occurred at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Born on March 29, 1966, in Williston, North Dakota, to parents Milton and Leona (Stevens) Smith, Owen’s formative years were defined by the rhythm of the family farm. He spent his youth seven miles west of Epping, North Dakota, eventually graduating from Epping Public School in 1984. His path after high school led him to the University of North Dakota in Grand Rapids, where he pursued studies in accounting—a skill set that would thread through his varied professional life.

From North Dakota Roots to South Dakota Life

Owen’s career was marked by a series of shifts that took him across the Upper Midwest. During his college years, he worked for Pizza Patrol in Grand Forks, eventually rising to a management role in Fargo. His professional journey later included time with Schwan’s, which took him to Harvey, North Dakota. In Minot, he took on roles as diverse as truck driving for Strata and working as a blackjack dealer for the Minot Junior Golf Association. By 2019, he had settled in the Sioux Falls area, where he served as a bartender and bookkeeper at The Valley Corner Bar until his health began to decline earlier this year.

Obituary: Owen Leroy Smith, 60, of Garretson, South Dakota — Photo: echovita.com

Beyond the ledger and the bar, Owen was a man of distinct interests. He found joy in leatherwork, the challenge of word puzzles, and the competitive camaraderie of shooting pool on his team in Minot. A dedicated fan of Minnesota sports, he recently crossed a significant item off his personal list by attending a Minnesota Twins game in person. He was also known for his spirited, albeit vocal, support of the Minnesota Vikings—a sentiment familiar to many fans who find themselves regularly “cursing at” their favorite team on game day.

Family Legacy and Final Arrangements

Owen’s life was defined by the family he leaves behind and those who preceded him. He was a father to four children: Joshua (Allison) of Moorhead, Minnesota; Justin of West Fargo, North Dakota; Crystal Strensgard (Angel Mila) of Fargo; and Marissa (Bryce) Stoterau of Garretson. His family circle extended to seven grandchildren: Cameron, Arianna, Grayson, Brayden Crossley-Smith, Jeffrey Stensgard, Michelle Stensgard, and Raelynn Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Zent (Earl Killingsworth), and his sister-in-law, Meloni Barman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers—Wayne, Dean, and Keith—and two great-nephews, Simon and Evan. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to them.

The community will gather to honor his memory on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM, officiated by Rev. Corey Scott. Burial will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. While the details of his service are set, the impact of a life spent across so many different roles—from farmer to accountant to bartender—speaks to the varied experiences that shape individuals in the modern American heartland.