Louie Smith

Louie Smith, age 97, of Yankton, SD, passed away early Monday, December 08, 2025 at the Avera Majestics Bluffs Hospice House, Yankton, SD. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, December 15, 2025 at the United Church of Christ (Congregational), Yankton, SD with Edie Broadbent and Rev. Lynnae Sorensen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Graveside Rites will be provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #781 and the SDANGHG. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date. A light lunch will be provided after the service. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details. Online condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com. To view Louie’s service via livestream, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/rkgmk. Pallbearers are: Jonathan Lowe, Sean Smith, Riley Smith, Tanner Smith, Melissa Menke, and Brandon Menke. Honorary Pallbearers; UCC Fry’n Pan Friday Men’s Group and Gary Baltzer.

Louie Smith, 97, of Yankton South Dakota, went to reside with the Lord December 8, 2025. He was born September 24, 1928 in Yankton to Hans and Margaret (Semple) Smith, the youngest of four siblings (George, Mildred, Bob and then Louie). Now, Louie is reunited with this family.

Stories of Louie and brother Bob, riding “Holstein calves” to school are true. A picture of the two rascals going bareback verifies the adventure. Louie served in the Army; and when the government asked the young soldiers if any were squeamish around blood, Louie said he vaccinated piglets just fine, so they trained him to be a medic. About 10 minutes after discharge, he married Phyllis Sorensen on June 12, 1953. Math says 72 years of marriage, mercy sakes and wow. Speaking of longevity, Louie taught Sunday school for 20 years at United Congregational Church in Mission Hill.

Louie’s focused passions were (a) love of farming his entire life (b) softball player and then softball coach for numerous Volin teams which included a state championship, (c) countless hours of enjoying and maintaining “the cabin” deep in the Black Hills. Additionally, the phrase, “Let’s play a game” referred to Pinochle and rarely ended with just one game. His most recent Pinochle game was just two months ago.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; their children Marilyn (Dave) Lowe and Wayne (Jane) Smith; five grandchildren Jonathan (Barbara) Lowe, Sean (Erin) Smith, Riley (Christine) Smith, Melissa (Brandon) Menke and Tanner (Erin) Smith; and 14 great grandchildren; and a bumper crop of nieces, nephews and in-laws.

The family suggests memorials be directed to:(1) Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post # 781; 209 Cedar Street; Yankton, SD 57078 (2) J. Laiten Weed Fund UCC; 210 West 5th Street; Yankton, SD 57078; (3) or the memorial of your choice. The family will sprinkle Louie’s ashes out at the cabin at a later date