Stephen "Steff" Lebert, age 72, of Volga, passed away at home on April 13, 2026. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Volga, SD. There will be a visitation the night prior from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a prayer service 7:00 pm at the Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga, SD.

Stephen “Steff” Lebert was born in Watertown, SD on October 15, 1953 to Marvin and LaFoy (Lavin) Lebert. He grew up on a farm on the south edge of Grover, SD and attended Grover School District Number 25. He graduated from Sioux Valley High School in 1971. Steff attended Southeast Area Technical School and graduated with an associate’s degree in Refrigeration and Major Appliance Repair in 1972.

On October 21st, 1972, Steff married Beka Doop at First Lutheran Church in Volga, SD; together, they had three children, Carri, Jamie, and Christopher.

On March 20th, 1999, Steff started a new chapter of his life and married Sandy Lebert and gained bonus children, Jason and Ryan. They were married for 10 years.

Steff began his career when he created his own business, Sioux Valley Refrigeration, in 1978. He retired from this after 40 years in 2018 with tremendous pride for his accomplishments and relationships he made. In addition to his career, Steff was volunteer firefighter with the Volga Fire Department for 20 years and a proud member of the Red River Valley Truck Pulling Association. Steff and his brother Gregg, spent many weekends with their families traveling the upper Midwest with “The Black Knight” competing in truck pulling competitions. After retirement, Steff kept busy working for Kerry’s Landscaping and spending time with his friends and family in Volga, SD.

Steff appreciated classic cars, racing, being with his family, and his traditional “happy hour” each day. He spent holidays and many weekends with his family. Steff also had a love for his “fur-grandbabies” and giving out many treats.

Steff is survived by his children, Carri (Lynn) Papka of Volga, SD, Jamie Lebert of Volga, SD, and Christopher (KariRae) Lebert of Volga, SD; his siblings Gregg (Joy) Lebert of Sioux Falls, SD, Garry Lebert of Balaton, MN, and Tammy (Doug) Loban of Bruce, SD; 4 grandchildren, Brenndon (Jenna) Lebert of Minneapolis, MN, Tiffani (Nathan) McMullen of Volga, SD, Trevor (Stephanie) Lundin of Volga, SD, and Briggs Lebert; and 5 great grandchildren, Letty, Rylee, Allie, Isla, and Forrest; as well as his bonus children; Jason (Amber) Hemmestad of Volga, SD and Ryan (Amanda) Hemmestad of Volga, SD; bonus grandchildren, Morgan, Ethan, Isaiah, Zoe, Kyler, and Lainey Hemmestad and Gracie and Colt Wallace. In addition to numerous nieces and nephews.

Steff was preceded in death by his parents (Marvin and Lafoy Lebert), Sister-in-law Mary Lebert, bonus grandson Isaac Hemmestad, and multiple beloved family and friends