Christopher Jon Smook, 34, Hills, died Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, at his home in Hills.
A memorial service was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, at the United Methodist Church in Luverne.
Christopher Smook was born on Dec. 23, 1987, to Dennis and Arlene (McCollum) Smook in Luverne, where he was raised and attended school. Following graduation from Luverne High School in 2006, Chris went to WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, and completed a diesel mechanics program. Following his education, he worked at Crimson Fire in Luverne. He also worked for a time at Manley Tire part time. Chris later went to work at Kibble Equipment, John Deere Implement, in Garretson, South Dakota.
From a young age, Chris showed an aptitude for taking things apart and putting them back together. After he got his first car, a Blazer, at age 15, he was hooked. He loved car engines, transmissions, tires, drag racing, gadgets, catalogues, and on and on. He could fix anything and was always willing to help.
Chris loved going down to the Rez pond to kayak and fish with the kids. They helped in the garage and enjoyed just spending time together. He cooked and grilled and smoked meats and prepared elaborate meals, and always, appetizers were required. On a rare occasion, he enjoyed a date night with his wife. He always put his family ahead of himself and worked so hard to provide for them.
Chris and Lexy were married Sept. 20, 2015. Lexy and her daughter, Charlee Donth (12), joined Chris at his home in Hills. They were also blessed with two additional children, Otto (7) and Madi (4).
Chris is survived by his wife, Lexy; three children; his mother, Arlene Smook of Luverne; parents-in-law Dean and DJ Luethje of Luverne; three sisters, Sarah (Andy) Paul of Inver Grove Heights, Kacee (Joey) Knap of Luverne, and Kelli (Zach) Swenson of Garretson, South Dakota; nieces and nephews, Connor, Brayden, Brooklyn, Oliver, Hadley, Chloe, Brantley, Miley, Jason, Ford and Cole; brothers- and sisters-in law; aunts and uncles; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis; an infant brother; uncles Curtis and Myron Smook; uncle-in-law Junior McCollum; and his grandparents.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, hartquistfuneral.com.
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