Dennis Smith

Dates

Obituary

Dennis J. Smith, 84, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. A Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, December 17, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. He will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Mitchell.

Dennis Joseph Smith was born in Neptune, New Jersey, the first of three sons born to Walter and Georgianna Smith. He graduated from Manasquan High School and went on to earn post-secondary certificates. In the 1960s, he served as a decoder for the United States Air Force.

Dennis was friends with the love of his life, Carol, for many years before they started dating. They married on February 27, 1965. Together, they built a wonderful life and welcomed three children — Patrick Timothy, Kelli Lynn, and Shannon Marie. As a father, Dennis taught his children the true meaning of love simply by how deeply he loved their mother. For more than 60 years, Dennis and Carol were rarely apart. Dennis was blessed with eight grandchildren and was a proud “Poppy” to one cherished great-grandson who brought him endless joy.

Known for his big smile and twinkle in his eye, Dennis loved telling stories and making people laugh. A hardworking man, he spent many years as a trashman and city employee in Spring Lake, NJ. After moving to South Dakota in 1979, he and Carol owned Goldie’s Campground, and he later worked for the City of Mitchell, Dakota Pork, and the Mitchell School District.

A master craftsman, Dennis spent his life in his wood shop creating anything and everything — a skill he learned from his father. From cradles and dollhouses to cabinets and gun cases, his creations are cherished by many. His legacy of craftsmanship will be passed down for generations.

He enjoyed golf, camping around the US, and cooking breakfast as well as reading and watching Westerns. After 40 years, Denny finally took Carol to Europe (twice!).

Dennis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; children: Patrick and Veronnica Smith (Mitchell, SD), Kelli and Chad Koepsell (Canova, SD), and Shannon and TJ Bryant (Albuquerque, NM); grandchildren: Shea Smith (Chicago, IL), Emmy Smith (Chicago, IL), Relaina Smith (Chicago, IL), Ceri Klopp (Bennington, NE), Carolyn and Andrew Kousgaard (Carter Lake, IA), Cayla Koepsell (Dallas, TX), and Riya Bryant (Albuquerque, NM); great-grandson: Grey Klopp (Bennington, NE); grandson-in-law, Ben Crawley (Seattle, WA); and his loyal dog, Mia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Timothy and Patrick; his in-laws, Marvin and Lillian Feiner; and his namesake grandson, Dennis John (DJ) Crawley-Smith.

Visitation(s)

Cemetery