Christopher J. Smook

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

CHRISTOPHER JON SMOOK was born on December 23, 1987 to Dennis and Arlene (McCollum) Smook in Luverne, Minnesota, 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. He eventually learned to put them back together. He loved Legos and Coca-Cola collectibles as a child. 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. His collection of parts and tools was remarkable. He could fix anything and was always willing to help. Whether it was fixing his sister’s car or helping clean up trees after a storm, he was there when you needed him. Chris was down to earth, didn’t pass judgment and always gave you his honest opinion. He 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 married September 20, 2015. Lexy and her daughter, Charlee Donth (12), joined Chris at his home in Hills, Minnesota. They were also blessed with two additional children, Otto (7) and Madi (4).

Chris passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2022 at his home at the age of 34 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Chris is survived by his wife, Lexy; three children; mother; Arlene Smook of Luverne; parent-in-laws, Dean and DJ Luethje of Luverne; three sisters, Sarah (Andy) Paul of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, Kacee (Joey) Knap of Luverne, and Kelli (Zach) Swenson of Garretson; nieces and nephews, Connor, Brayden, Brooklyn, Oliver, Hadley, Chloe, Brantley, Miley, Jason, Ford and Cole; brothers and sisters-in laws; aunts and uncles; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis; infant brother; uncles, Curtis and Myron Smook; uncle-in-law, Junior McCollum; and grandparents.

Chris was kind and welcoming to everyone that met him. He made friends wherever he went. His sudden death is absolutely heart breaking and his presence will be so greatly missed. We love you Chris and will hold your spirit dear in our hearts.