Jonathan Smith

April 3, 1974 - February 6, 2022

Visitation: Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m., family present from 6-7 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.

Service: Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 11 at Canton Lutheran Church.

                Jonathan Michael Smith transitioned on Sunday, February 6, 2022, from Covid complications.  He was 47 years old.

                Jon was born in Broken Bow, Nebraska, on April 3, 1974, to Kent Michael (Mike) Smith and JoEllen Fisher Smith.  His early years were lived in Ansley, Nebraska, where he enjoyed learning how to swim, fish and play in the dirt.  He loved the rare occasions when he could go to work with his dad, and once astonished his school teacher by telling her his favorite color was black “…because that’s the color of asphalt!”

                At an early age he moved with his family to Canton, South Dakota.  He wasn’t particularly academically inclined, but took great interest in history, current events, and any kind of work with his hands.  He had an inquisitive mind and a genius talent with tools.  There were very few broken things that he couldn’t fix…and nothing that he wouldn’t at least try to fix.  His talented hands created many beautiful objects from wood and metal including an oak tambour bread box for his mom and a highly polished stainless steel belt buckle.  Once he even cut up an old leather boot and fashioned it into a wallet that served him well for many years.

                On February 10, 2001, Jon married Jamie Lynn Jacobs, creating their own family in Canton.  They are members of Canton Lutheran Church.  Jon was a welder, a member of Local 300 Pipefitters Union for 17 years.  When he wasn’t working, Jon enjoyed attending his children’s sporting and school events.  But he was especially happy spending time in the garage working on vehicles and teaching his boys about the mechanics involved in internal combustion engines.  He loved hard rock music played really loud.  He loved watching old westerns on TV.  He grieved at the demise of his beloved dog of 18 years, Gunner.  And he was cheered by the newest addition to the family, a chocolate lab named Ladybird.  He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Sean Lee Smith, and his father.  Those left to cherish Jon’s memory are his wife and children:  Payton Michael and his companion, Makenna Gylfe of Beresford, Lincoln Dale, BriAnna Lynn, and Devyn Ashley; his mother, JoEllen Smith Oppliger and her husband, Ron, of Ocala, Florida; 2 sisters, Christa Michelle Smith of Jacksonville, Florida, and Amanda Grace Smith of New Port Richey, Florida; 6 aunts, 2 uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends and co-workers.

                Visitation will be at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton on Thursday, February 10, 2022, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Services will be held Friday morning, February 11 at 10:30 am at Canton Lutheran Church.

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15 messages have been left

  1. Tami Rikansrud on February 8, 2022 said:

    Smith & Jacobs family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was in his class & he was always funny & sweet. I’m thinking of you all.

  2. Lori Livermore Pete on February 8, 2022 said:

    Jamie girls and the boys sorry for your loss it is so hard to believe that he is gone please be safe love your babysitter and long time family friend

  3. Donna Wilson on February 8, 2022 said:

    Jamie, so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you and your family. May Gods love help you through this sad time and bring you comfort.

  4. Char Olseth on February 9, 2022 said:

    My heart is broke for u all. He was so much fun!! R. I. P. Johnny we luv u.

  5. Phil & Wanda Friedli on February 10, 2022 said:

    We are so sorry for your loss an at such a young age
    God bless the family an May his memory live on with the family an friends 🙏

  6. Rosemary Elizabeth Werner on February 10, 2022 said:

    Dear Ron and JoEllen, our prayers and thoughts are with you and all your Family at this time. Jack and I are keeping you in our hearts

  7. Jamie (Day) Henkel on February 10, 2022 said:

    Jamie & kids, Amanda & JoEllen,
    I’m sorry to hear about John, thoughts and prayers to you all during this time.

  8. Dennis and Sue Kleider on February 10, 2022 said:

    Our deepest sympathy to the family of Jonathan Smith and to his mother JoEllen Smith Oppliger and Ron of Ocala, Florida.
    Our prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your son.

  9. Dennis and Sue Kleider on February 10, 2022 said:

    Our deepest sympathy to the family of Jonathan Smith and to his mother JoEllen Smith Oppliger and Ron of Ocala, Florida. Our prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your son.

  10. Steve Gallant on February 10, 2022 said:

    Sorry for your loss.

  11. Doug and Becky Nygren on February 10, 2022 said:

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all today and in the weeks and months ahead. May you cherish your memories and keep him in your hearts eternally.

  12. Dorothy Antonelli on February 10, 2022 said:

    May our Lord bestow comfort upon you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my deep condolences.
    Dorothy Antonelli

  13. Sybil Watkins on February 10, 2022 said:

    May the memories of your son, JoEllen , husband Jamie, and Dad to the Children and to Johnathon’s sisters ,
    stay with you all and be a comfort and strength to each other. Hugs and ❤
    Sybil Watkins and Family. XxxxxxX

  14. Rod A Christman on February 11, 2022 said:

    My sympathies and prayers to the family.

  15. Kathy Keiser on February 13, 2022 said:

    Sorry for your loss–prayers are said for the family
    Kathy Keiser(Eva’s Stansbury’s grandma))