Gerald "Jerry" Smith

Gerald “Jerry” Smith, age 83, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton with Reverend Darin Schmidt officiating. Cremation will take place after the service and a private family burial will be held at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, August 18, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation continues one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at the church.

Jerry was born on February 25, 1943 in Schuyler, Nebraska to Arthur and Clara (Smejkal) Smith. He married the love of his life, Sharon (Broekemeier) Smith, on September 25, 1965 in Schuyler, Nebraska. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with family, friendships, hard work, adventure, and countless memories.

Jerry joined the Army Reserve and later the Air National Guard, where he discovered his love of photography. Jerry and Sharon moved to Hastings, Nebraska where he worked for Haberman Photography. In 1968, they relocated to Yankton, where Jerry worked for Corrigan Studio for nine years before following his dream and opening his own photography studio, Photography by Jerry, in 1977.

Jerry and Sharon worked side by side to build the business, creating photographic memories for thousands of families and individuals throughout the years. His talent and dedication earned him his Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman degrees, as well as the designation of Certified Professional Photographer. He served as President of the South Dakota Professional Photographers and as Director and President of Northern Light Professional Photographers. Photography was not simply Jerry’s career—it was a passion that allowed him to connect with people and preserve the moments that mattered most.

Outside of photography, Jerry enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. Their cabin in Walker Valley became a special place where many wonderful times and treasured memories were made. Jerry loved talking with people and sharing a good story. Even after retiring from his photography business, he enjoyed working part time at the Hy-Vee gas station and Captain Norm’s Bait Shop, where there was never a shortage of conversation or fishing stories.

Jerry and Sharon also enjoyed traveling and eventually built a lake home where they spent many happy days together. One of Jerry’s favorite adventures was traveling to Alaska with his high school classmates to celebrate their 50th class reunion—a trip that created memories he cherished.

Jerry was an active member of the Elks, Knights of Columbus, and Sacred Heart Church. He will be remembered not only for his incredible talent and dedication, but for the qualities that defined him as a person: his generosity, kindness, patience, and genuine love for people. Jerry had a way of making people feel welcome, and his stories, laughter, and warm personality will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Sharon; his three children, Tracy (Russ) Smith of Omaha, Kelly (Bob) Vornhagen of Yankton, and Brett Smith of Yankton; grandchildren: Morgan Moore of Omaha, Jadyn Moore of Omaha, Cody (Haleigh) Vornhagen of Yankton, and Molly (Hunter) Vornhagen of Yankton; his two great-grandsons, Callen Jer and Baker Michael; one sister, Jan Divis of Johnson Lake, NE; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Clara Smith; his brother-in-law, Melvin Divis; and his in-laws.

Jerry leaves behind a lifetime of photographs, stories, friendships, and memories—but perhaps his greatest legacy is the love he gave to his family and the countless people whose lives he made a little brighter. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.