Steven A. King

Steven A. King, age 67 of Lesterville, SD passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026 surrounded by his family. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Chapel, Yankton, SD with Rev. Michael Hecht officiating. Visitations will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsite Crematory, Yankton, SD is assisting with the service details. Online condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com. To view Steven’s service live stream, click this link: https://server.attend.live/static/event/o2AAk.

He was born on August 6th, 1958 to John Delmar and Loretta Betty (Smith) King in Elgin, Illinois. Steve was the second youngest of six children. At the young age of seventeen, he married the love of his life, Kathy Richmond on October 24th, 1975. To this union, 3 daughters were born. Steve joined the army in 1975 and served his country for 4 years. Steve and Kathy moved from Illinois to Washington to South Carolina. Steve worked hard for his family. No job was too hard for him and he made many friends throughout the 10 years that they lived in South Carolina.

In 1992, the family moved back to South Dakota and settled on an acreage that they had never seen before. Steve’s mom and dad bought it for them at auction. Steve’s family made this acreage a home and he and Kathy lived there until his death. Steve worked for Welfl Construction, Wilson Trailer, and James Steel during his time in South Dakota. He was never unwilling to tackle any task or job and eager to learn new skills. Steve took great pride in passing along his construction skills to his family and those who followed. Often strong willed and stubborn, he knew the right way to do things, and it was his way.

Steve was an avid collector of what Kathy endearingly referred to as “junk.” He was filled with so much pride as he showed off his treasures to anyone who walked into his room. His spare time was spent working in the garage and yard, playing with his dogs, driving the back roads looking for eagles and deer with his lady, and fishing. The rest of his time was spent with family. He cherished his time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to sneak the great grandchildren suckers and candy. Steve was known as Papa to those who were lucky enough to know and love him. Papa could always be found sitting quietly holding a baby, making crazy faces and often scaring them. Papa and Nana spent many wonderful weekends camping, fishing and making memories with the grandkids. The joy of his life was standing on a riverbank, surrounded by family, with a fishing pole in his hand. As long as you didn’t out-fish him, he was a happy guy.

In death, Papa was able to have a wish honored. He was an organ donor and because of that he was able to provide much needed opportunities for healing in others. This would have made him very happy.

Steve’s memory will forever be treasured by his wife of 50 years Kathy; his daughters Connie (Chris) Getty, Michelle (Mark) Fischer, Tonya Burks; grandchildren Emma Getty (James Ishmael), Caroline (George) Peterson, Geoffrey (Erika) King, Abby Fischer (Parker Vander Pol), Jared (Kaylee) Getty, Hannah (Brandon) Stahl, Collin Getty, Laura Fischer (Kohl Kubal); great grandchildren Montgomery and Asher King, Adalynn, Emerson and Oliver Peterson, baby Kubal due April 2026, and baby Getty due July 2026; sister Peggy Jo (Frank) Brown and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, great grandchild Raleigh King, siblings Patricia Louise Carr, John Delmar King Jr., Christine Joan King, and Linda Joy Browning.