Steven Charles "Steve" Linke

Steven Linke, 71, of Letcher, SD, died Monday, February 16, 2026, at Prairie View Healthcare Center in Woonsocket. Visitation will be Friday, February 20, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel. Private burial will be at West Lawn Cemetery in Letcher, SD.

Steven Charles Linke was born November 9, 1954, to Harold and "Eileen" (Smith) Linke in Mitchell, SD. He was baptized at Cuthbert Methodist Church and grew up on the family farm north of Letcher, SD. Steve attended K-12 school in Letcher, graduating in 1973. He was a member of the Letterman's Club in football, basketball, and track, and was also a member of FFA. In the summer, he enjoyed playing baseball and 4-H activities. When the Linke cousins got together, they played baseball. When the Smith cousins got together, they enjoyed Grandpa Smith's homegrown watermelon.

Never one to sit idle, Steve farmed with his dad and worked at ABC Company of Letcher, Bill Case of Mitchell, Letcher Bar, heavy equipment operator for Gustafson Construction of Pierre, fuel delivery for Brooks Oil of Letcher, and Parks Department of Mitchell.

Some of Steve's favorite things included NASCAR racing, watching Wheel of Fortune, butterscotch fudge, and spoiling his grandchildren. He also enjoyed attending any SCW Blackhawk sporting event his grandkids were in and even continued to attend after they graduated.

Steve is survived by his daughter, Tambi (Marty) Wormstadt of Artesian; three grandchildren, Aiden Wormstadt, Noah Wormstadt, and Kara Wormstadt all of Artesian; and siblings, Carol Linke of Mitchell, Linda (Ron) Misar of Parker, SD, and David (Pat) Linke of Mitchell.