Jeff "Smitty" Smith

Jeffrey Smith (Smitty), age 66, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at his home overlooking his beloved bird feeders and surrounded by his people whom he loved so fiercely.

Jeffrey Dorman (Smitty) was born on March 13, 1960, in Denver, Colorado to Dorman and Monna Lou (Miltz) Smith. They lived in Colorado enjoying countless camping trips, Jeep Mountain climbing with Uncle Norman and Aunt Marie and sledding down the foothills of the mountains with his family until his father (Dorman) passed away in 1968. Monna Lou moved Jeff and his sisters, Gwenn and Kelli to Alexandria, Minnesota in 1969, to be closer to her family where Jeff spent his younger years in Alexandria biking around town to see friends, catching creatures and making them his pets, delivering newspapers, selling garden seeds and Christmas cards door to door, and being a boy scout.

Smitty was married to Vicky Kutz, and out of that union he was blessed with 3 children, JD, Jena and Buck and 5 grandkids, Mara, Luka, Brynlee, Bo and Easton. In 2006, he met Angie Strunk and he was blessed with 3 more children, Jacob, Ava and Rylee. Smitty dedicated his entire life to his children, working hard at Alex Concrete for 30 years to provide for them.

Smitty was happiest when he was outside; just working in his garden, filling his bird feeders, tending to his chickens or sitting in a deer stand. Smitty loved caring for animals; he bred hunting labs, raised pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks, and even had a cowboy faze and got horses. He was an avid hunter and shared many good laughs and memories with his hunting buddies and the community that they created. You could find him out in a deer stand or duck blind most weekends with his kids throughout his life.

Smitty loved all sports, but the Vikings held a special spot in his heart no matter how often they let him down. He played football, basketball, baseball and fast pitch softball all throughout high-school. He continued his love for softball into his adult years playing on the Stroh's softball team alongside his brothers-in-law, Jeff, Scott, Donny and Rich, where they helped the team win state and go to nationals. Smitty passed on his love for sports to his kids through hard work and dedication to them. Giving many hours to coaching, watching, and practicing at home. Smitty rarely missed a sporting event for his kids, even if that meant going to work at 2AM so he could make it to their game.

Smitty was a simple man who enjoyed a simple life. He welcomed anyone into his home with open arms. He loved hard and was always willing to help where he could. Thanks to his strong faith in God we know he is finally at peace.

A father’s legacy, cherished and dear

Through his love and wisdom, we have no fear

He was our protector, our guiding light

And in his absence, our hearts feel a slight

But his legacy lives on in all that we do

In every decision, we consider his view

His values, his morals, his unwavering belief

In us, his children, is now our greatest relief

For though he may be gone, his life still shines bright

Guiding us towards what is good and what is right

His legacy will remain, an everlasting flame

In our hearts, our father’s memory we’ll ever proclaim

Smitty is survived by his partner, Angie Strunk; children, JD (Heidi) Smith, Jena Smith, Jordan “Buck” Smith (Chelsey Salto), Jacob Strunk (BrookeLinn Finkelson), Ava Smith, Rylee Smith; grandchildren, Easton, Mara, Luka, Brynlee, and Bo; mother, Monna Lou (Laurel) Henderson; siblings, Gwenn (Mike) Soldan, and Kelli Smith; many nieces/nephews; and former spouse, Vicky Kutz.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Dorman Smith, Uncle Norman and Aunt Marie Scherzer.

Acts 16:30-31:

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.

There will be a Celebration of Smitty's Life on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 1-4 p.m. at 13901 County Rd 5, Hoffman, Minnesota.

In honor of Smitty, please keep things simple and "come as you are".