Gordon James Smith

Gordon James Smith, age 86, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Avera Majestic Bluffs Hospice House in Yankton.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Jeff Otterman and Pastor Herb Wounded Head officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, December 15, 2025 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or to an organization of your choice

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Shaela, Morgan, Cord, Jahna, Brody, Nathan and Margo Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be the past and present members of the Yankton Volunteer Fire Department.

Gordon James Smith was born June 15, 1939, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Martin and Mabel (Dralle) Smith. He grew up west of Gayville, South Dakota until his family moved to Irene, South Dakota, where Gordon graduated from Irene High School in 1957. He joined the United States Army and served during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge from the army, Gordon moved to Yankton. He married Clare Erstgaard on August 22, 1965 in Yankton. Gordon started delivering propane for Ferrell Gas, which he continued for 20 years. During this time Gordon began volunteering with the Yankton Fire Department and was a fireman for over 25 years. He then started working for Mark’s Machinery, delivering machinery all over the area. In his retirement he drove for Yankton Transit until 2016.

Gordon was a 50-year member of the Moose Lodge and long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served his church in many ways, from ushering and greeting to serving on the council. He was a handyman who could fix anything. He had a great sense of humor and was always trying to spread joy wherever he went. He was always thinking of others and never let a car go by without a wave. His children and grandchildren meant the world to him and he loved attending any of their events.

Survivors include his wife, Clare Smith of Yankton; three sons: Brian (Rosa) Smith of Gillette, Wyoming; Kevin (Becky) Smith of Bellingham, Washington; Jason (Stephanie Bayer) Smith of Yankton; seven grandchildren: Shaela, Morgan, Cord, Jahna, Brody, Nathan and Margo; four great grandchildren: Niko, Luka, Julian, and Koda; sister, Sandra (Don) Ryken; sister-in-law, Karen Gran; brother-in-law, Jerry (Pat) Erstgaard and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Shirley, Lois, Jean and Kay; niece, Jody Ryken and nephew, Scott Williams.