Steven Whitney

Dates

Obituary

Steven Whitney, 75, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Mitchell, SD. Arrangements are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Steven Leroy Whitney was born in Mitchell, SD, on May 25, 1951, as the second child of Helen Harris and Wendell Whitney. He grew up in a Catholic Family with 5 siblings. Steve was born with Club Feet and had several surgeries at the Shriners Hospital. He started school at Mitchell Notre Dame Catholic School, then went to a half-year at Chamberlain in the 1st Grade, attended St. John’s Catholic School in North Rapid City from 2nd to 6th Grade, started at Cathedral High School until it closed in 1968, and then graduated from Rapid City High School in 1970. Steve was drafted for Vietnam and spent 2 months and 10 days in the Army National Guard before being honorably discharged for the pins in his feet. He attended Mitchell Vo-Tech for Electrician School. 

Steve married Sharon Stotz in 1971, and they had a daughter, Kristi Ann, in 1972 and a son, Corey Steven, in 1977. The pair divorced in 1982, then Steve met Linda Hansen in the summer of 1983 while she was playing in a band at the Moose in Mitchell. They were married in just a few weeks on July 21st, 1983, at the Salem Courthouse. Linda was also divorced and had a 9-year-old daughter, Jennifer, and they moved to Mitchell to live with Steve and blend their families. They lived in Mitchell for 2 years before moving to Artesian, where Linda taught music, and Steve ran the buses for the school district. The pair retired in 2016, and they moved to Mitchell in 2022.   

Whatever they were into, they were “ALL IN,” and that included bowling, golfing, hunting/fishing, camping, gardening, bus trips to Branson, cruises, traveling to Hart Ranch, SF Skyforce, Vikings / Twins games, USD Athletics and the Summit League. They were very proud of their participation in the Paralyzed Veterans Fishing Program and looked forward to it every year. Before COVID hit in 2020, they enjoyed spending time with friends and were often gone for weeks at a time. They loved their time with their grandkids… enjoying spoiling them rotten and sending them home to their parents.

Steve had a proud history at the Moose Lodge #875 in Mitchell, SD, where he had been a member since 1980. Over the years, he sponsored 53 members, was a chairman on 4 different Committees, served in the role of Prelate, Trustee, Treasurer, Sergeant of Arms, Junior Governor, and Junior Past Governor.  He served as Governor of the Moose from 2001 to 2002, during which Linda was the Senior Regent. The two established a Scholarship Program during their time there and were proud of the money raised for students.

Steve was always known for his friendliness, generosity, and sense of humor. He never met a person he could not talk to.  He loved the tradition of family, especially those moments when his love of the outdoors and his family came together. The grandkids have many wonderful memories of Grandpa Camp and their times with Grandpa Steve and Grandma Linda. He was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and a friend to many. He joined the love of his life, Linda, in their eternal retirement just after he turned 75. Now they are together again, watching over their family and friends, in the loving arms of Jesus.

Steve is survived by his children, Kristi Marken of Aberdeen, SD, Jennifer Foss (Steve) of Sioux Falls, SD, and Corey Whitney (Nicole) of Armour, SD;  grandchildren, Ashley (Kevin) Finley, Katelyn (Riley) Scheffert, Alyssa Whitney (Trey Bakke), Jadeyn Foss, Hannah (Micah) Lau, Eilert Marken, and Jayse Foss; siblings, Bill (Bev) Whitney, Debbie (Darrel) Knutson, Jim Whitney, Tim (Kim) Whitney, and Theresa (Dan) Ott; sisters-in-law, Diana (Leland) Buseman and June Hansen, along with numerous nieces/nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and his parents, Helen Whitney and Wendell Whitney.