Guest Book
Steve Jeffords--To sum it up--ONE GREAT MAN WITH A BIG HEART AND THE WARMEST SMILE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! I am so sorry for your loss, and may the comfort of knowing the best present he got this Christmas season was a trip to heavenly bliss help you in your deep sorrow and loss of such a great man. You will be in my prayers for strength, comfort, and healing of the heart.
~ Roxy Formanek
Hermosa SD (12/19/2011)
Ever since being a child, I have always remember Papa Steve's smile! I will never forget an event at Gib and Steph's when Papa spent along time playing with us kids. I still smile when I drive by Kadoka because I think about all the times I would request a bathroom break on our way to WJLS or BHSS when really I was hoping Papa Steve would be working. May you find comfort and peace in the wonderful memories Papa Steve blessed us with as he parted to the devine life :)
~ Kelly Duxbury
Frederick, SD (12/19/2011)
Dear Jeffords Family Words are never enough but know the love of the Lord God , Famiy and Friends will help you. God Bless
~ Bruce and Bonnie Madsen
Kadoka S.D. (12/19/2011)
I am so sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful man and I know you will all miss him dearly. I will hold you all in my prayers and hope you will find comfort in family and friends, and the knowledge that Steve is now at peace.
~ Julie Wilson
Glendale, AZ (12/19/2011)
I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed dearly by so many! Praying that you find comfort through family and friends at this difficult time, and in the knowledge that Steve is at peace.
~ Julie Wilson
Glendale, AZ (12/19/2011)
The Jeffords family..So sorry to hear about Steve's passing. He is at peace now and no more suffering. Steve and Carol were two of the nicest people I have ever worked for and it was a pleasure working for them at Kadoka Standard. Eric
~ Eric Wilmarth
Kadoka (12/19/2011)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Steve and Carol were good friends of my Mom and Dad's when we lived in Kadoka. Steve would come to Midland now and then to play cards and we always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a very nice man and had a contagious smile. Our sincere condolences.
~ Randy & Holly (Vosberg) Nemec
Midland (12/19/2011)
I am so sorry for your family's loss. My memories of Steve are mostly from the Standard Station where he always (usually anyway!) had a big smile on his face, even when we drove and drove and drove "around the Standard".
~ Rose Ann (Stratton) Wendell
Pierre (12/19/2011)
To all the Jeffords family..I am very sadden by the news of this great man's passing. Steve was an outstanding person all the way around. I have many great memories of Steve as I was growing up and will hold on to those memories forever because Steve can never be replaced but will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN either. All of my prayers and love at this difficult time of loss but know that Steve is at peace and rejoins his beloved wife Carol. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
~ Kristi (Spears) Stevahn
Creswell, Oregon (12/19/2011)
Sorry to hear of your loss. Steve was a special man and will be missed. Steve & Carol were wonderful to work for, the Jeffords family are in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Mary Ellen and Pat Hart
14788 Quarter Horse Dr. Rapid City, SD 57703 (12/19/2011)
Steve will be missed by so many, but he leaves such a HUGE legacy for his family and friends! He was a kind man with a hearty laugh and a smile to brighten the day. May your memories put a smile on your face and fill your heart with joy.
Many hugs and prayers in your time of grief
Love
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas Butler
~ Michelle (Vander May) Butler
Philip SD (12/19/2011)
I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful, caring, fun, beautiful person Steve was. I really enjoyed our visits when I worked at Philip Motor. He was a joy to be around and such a patient man;-) I know he mourned the loss of his wife and now his struggles are over and he can embrace her again. He always talked of his family and he loved them so very much. God Bless you all.
~ Julie Nixon
21142 224th Street Philip, Sd (12/19/2011)
Sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful man. He always had a smile on his face and a hello for everyone. I had the joy of working for him at the Standard (so did brothers Tom and Bill) and I truly enjoyed it. Kadoka has lost a true gentleman.
~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun
Kadoka (12/19/2011)
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was such a kind and brave man and was a joy to work with at Cacner Care institute. I hope that his family can remember the good times and know he made a difference in many lives. God be with you all.
~ Theresa Nordin
Summerset, SD (12/19/2011)
We'll miss that mischievous smile at coffe, but also rejoice in the fact that we got to know Steve since we moved to Kadoka. "Heaven will be inherited by every man who has heaven in his soul" Henry Ward Beecher Steve has collected his inheritance.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka (12/19/2011)
To the family I am sorry to hear of Steve's passing. Steve was always a nice friendly guy.
~ Ross Albin
Powell,Wy (12/19/2011)
Steve was a great guy and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to the family..
~ Rod & Darlene Cudmore
Fort Pierre SD (12/19/2011)
Our family had the priviledge of meeting & spending time with Steve and he was truly one of the most kind and amazing men. He had presence that made you feel safe & loved & he was so fun to be around! Our lives were better because of him and we will sincerely miss him ~ Our prayers are with his family ~
~ Darci, Riley & Charley
4713 Primrose Pl (12/19/2011)
Steve always had a smile! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
~ Mike and Lib Thomas
Aiken, SC (12/19/2011)
…books and songs are written about the advantages of growing up in a ‘small town’… each of those stories feature special characters/personalities around whom many colorful experiences develop…Steve Jeffords is certainly one of the featured persons in the story of growing up in Kadoka. Having the trio of Max, Steve & Stanley as next door neighbors in the NW end of town was memorable in so many ways. During the 50’s/60’s, when Hwy 16 was the major route, Jeff’s Frontier & Truck stop was a bustling success, daily filled with truckers, tourists and locals; the place for Kougars to gather following well attended & high spirited athletic events. For me, though, Jeff’s was more…it was an extension of my own place, and I was over at Jeff’s daily hatching plans with classmate, Stanley….& Steve became that older brother every young fellow needs to have…...more than once Steve came to our ‘rescue’…he inherited that patience & gentle smile of his Dad, Max. At KHS, Steve was a natural born leader, and excelled in athletics…he set benchmarks against which others measured their performance … he was a marvel to watch on the basketball court, football field, baseball diamond & track meets in Spring. I was always proud to say … “I know Steve…he is my neighbor”!
The children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of Steve already know what a wonderful father and grandpa he was….I wanted to share with them that he was also a good neighbor, friend and ‘big brother’ to an impressionable young guy growing up in the 50’s & 60’s.
I was not able to attend the life Celebrations for Max, Stanley or Carol, and now I am further saddened that I will not be able to attend the Celebration for Steve as he continues on his Journey to finally meet his Creator, and to reunite with his beloved Carol and other family & friends…what a joyous occasion that will be…just in time for Christmas!
God Bless,
Mike & Judy Barber in Tampa, Florida
~ Mike & Judy Barber
Tampa, Florida (12/19/2011)
Steve had the best laugh. He was a great friend to my folks and always had a big hug for me whenever I came back to Kadoka. I especially loved it when he worked at the Standard back in the day because I always knew I could trust him and he would take good care of me and my car. Steve, you will be greatly missed.
~ Katie Oyan
Phoenix, AZ (12/19/2011)
As I remember, Steve’s Dad Max, & mother Marge drove to Kadoka from their Lake Andes, SD, home, & parked at the junction of Hiway 16 & Hiway 73 & counted the trucks that went by, and concluded that it was an excellent place for a truck stop, and they were right. Steve & his family moved to Kadoka in about 1958. Max & Marge started the very successful Jeff’s Frontier Truck Stop at the junction. They did this with the Brown brothers from Winner.
Max had a great personality to get along with truckers & the traveling public, and Steve followed right along, as did his younger brother, Stanley. When I-90 was built, they built a new truck stop at the East Exit of I-90 in Kadoka.
Steve used what he learned in the truck stop business to succeed in many areas.
As Steve was 6’3’’, & his younger brother Stanley was about 5’7”, they made quite a pair, and were most often referred to as “Mutt & Jeff”—Steve was Jeff.
Steve was no doubt one of the best athletes that ever came out of Kadoka, and he plied his skills for Black Hills State on their football team after he graduated from Kadoka.
He was as big and strong as they come, but didn’t have a mean bone in his body, and I was very proud to call him my friend, and for him to call me his friend. I’ll miss him.
I'm so sorry for his loss.
~ Phil Hogen
Black Hawk (12/19/2011)
I only met Steve a few times; but he stole my heart right away with his sweet nature. I've seen how much his family loved him through Biz. Witnessing my own father's struggle with cancer I have gained a tremendous amount strength from Biz. I know how close your entire family is and I feel for your tremendous loss. I pray for your families merry Christmas and happy new year- from the Costello family.
~ Kristin Costello
Sioux Falls (12/19/2011)
My family and I had the great Privelege of knowing Steve through our cousin Jeannie..He was just the nicest and most kind man in the world. He was with all of my family through some really hard times, and we loved him with all of hearts. He cared so much for our family. We will miss him so very much. He had a way of making us all happy in the good times and in the hard times. We send our sincere love and sympathy to Jeannie and all of Steves family. Shelly Weisgram and Family
~ Shelly Weisgram
Rapid City SD (12/19/2011)
I remember some good times at Black Hills State with Steve and Carol and the Kadoka, Philip bunch. Steve has been a good friend for many years. I remember when each of you girls were born. He will be in Barb's and my prayers.
~ Bill Renning
Valentine, NE (12/19/2011)
We are so sorry for your loss. There are never the right words to express how deeply sad we are that you have to endure your loss. Steve will be truly missed by everyone who knew him no matter where they crossed his path in life. We surely will miss his wonderful smile~~
~ Lonnie Arneson & Teri Ann
Elm Springs, SD (12/19/2011)
Steve was bigger than life with his laugh and smile, what a man. I got to see Steve shortly before his passing and he still had that big smile. That is what I will always remember, a big man with an even bigger smile. Love you Steve, and you will be missed so very much.
~ Misti (Spears) Strobel
Rapid City, SD (12/19/2011)
I was saddened to hear about your dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Friends..Karen and Bruce
~ Karen Clarke
Wessington (12/19/2011)
I never knew Steve until I moved back to Philip in 1993 to work at Philip Motor, but we became friends quickly, and he would always make it a point to stop in my office to visit. I shall cherish my memories of him, and a final conversation at Hogans Hardware. I send my sincere sympathy and prayers for Gods' comfort. The big man with the big smile touched alot of people-I was lucky enough to be one of them.
~ Sherman Burns
Sheridan Wyoming (12/19/2011)
Daughters, my sympathy and God’s Blessings to you.
Steve will be missed by lots of folks including many of us in Murdo. Big guy, good guy, big smile. big heart. Sorry I cannot make the service, Sympathy to all.
~ Dave Geisler
Murdo (12/19/2011)
To the family of Steve Jeffords--Words can not begin to express the loss that you and so many others are feeling today. May all the wonderful memories of Steve bring comfort to you in the days ahead. We have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Steve and Carol. From Kadoka Community projects to dance lessons in Rapid City. Steve and Carol are together for Christmas and singing with the angels. You will be in our thoughts and prays in the days aheard.
~ Bruce & Virginia Conlee
10301 romel drive (12/19/2011)
It was my privilege to call Steve and Carol my friends since our days at KHS. Steve was a great guy and a real asset to Kadoka. He will be missed.
~ Athene Eberlein
Eau Claire WI (12/19/2011)
Sincere sympathy to your family.He was such a nice man.
~ Janie Whidby
Mazatlan,mx (12/19/2011)
Heather and I were so saddened to hear of Steves passing. We all remember those iconic hometown people who have affected ones life. Steve was one of those people we all respected and loved for being such a special friend. He will always be remembered for his winning smile and soft passionate voice! May God be with you in the days ahead!
~ Judy (Olney) Goldhammer
Wall SD (12/19/2011)
I would like to extend on behalf of my entire family, our condolences to the Jeffords family. I was very lucky to have met my best friend Brad's older brother Steve. I will always remember his visits to NC and the good times they allowed me to share with them. It only took one time in meeting Steve to see that he was truly a genuine, kind,and life loving man.It's easy to see by the words written by so many, that he truly will be missed.
~ Robert Garcia
Winston Salem, NC (12/19/2011)
I regret not being able to see uncle Steve this year and to attend the funeral. Steve was a gentle and sweet man and I feel lucky to have had him in my life. He will be missed so much!
~ Danielle Trudeau
Edinburgh, Scotland (12/19/2011)
Oh the memories. Steve was such a nice guy. It was an honor knowing him and having him in our lives. Prayers for the family
~ Scot and Jodie OBryan
Belvidere SD (12/19/2011)
Steve made all of us smile with his sparkling eyes, huge smile, & helping hand! He was a true gentleman & hometown hero! God Bless all of you!!!
~ Greg & Lisa Uhlir
8516 E Willow Ridge Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57110 (12/19/2011)
What to say. Steve was always larger than life. Not only in his stature but more importantly from his strength within. It was a pleasure to know and respect him and all of his family. Our blessings go out to the whole family with a special part in our hearts for Teri and her family.
I respected how people looked upon Steve for advice and leadership. If a town could place itself on one man's shoulders there would not be a better man than Steve.
Will miss him on Friday night around the poker table. May he rest in peace and be reunited with the love of his life.
~ Dave and Denise Ehlers
19 Pinetop Drive Newcastle WY (12/19/2011)
Steve was an amazing man, with a heart of gold. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers here in Iowa. Love Jill, John, Ruger, Hunter, Traysen, and Daylin
~ Jill Schaefer
215 E. Market St.. Lisbon, Iowa 52253 (12/19/2011)
Our family was so fortunate to have Steve in our lives . He was such a thoughtful and caring man. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by all of us.
He was such a blessing to my sister Jeannie and we all will miss him dearly.
~ Dave Debbie Phillips
3065 Hanson St. Cheyenne, Wy. (12/19/2011)
The Jeffords Family, So sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I worked for Steve and Carol at the Standard for 5 and a half years. He was a great boss with a kind word to everyone and a smile to brighten any room ..he will be greatly missed.
~ Darlene Barber
102 E. Kansas City Street Rapid City SD 57701 (12/19/2011)
So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Steve had such a big heart and was always kind and thoughtful. He will be greatly missed.
~ Beth Glynn
123 Wedgewood DR Rapid City, SD 57702 (12/19/2011)
I once was along with Steve to change a fan belt on a stranded 18-wheeler in the middle of a freezing snowstorm. It took two cold, cussin' hours to get the new belt on – Steve charged him the price of the belt. He will always define Kadoka for me – a heart as big as the prairie! He was a father, big brother, and friend for all of us who were privileged to know him. May he and Carol now rest in peace.
~ Buzz Trudeau
Shanghai, China (12/19/2011)