Paul Smokov

Paul Smokov, 92, of Steele, ND, died on January 21, 2017, from complications of heart failure. He was surrounded by his family at home with hospice care. Family will greet guests from 6:30 pm – 7:00 pm where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 pm on Friday, January 27, at Eastgate-Steele Memorial Chapel in Steele, ND. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28, at 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele, ND. Paul was born on October 18, 1924, near Broadus, MT. He completed the eighth grade in Steele and continued learning in the "School of Hard Knocks." Paul was married to Betty Lorraine Benson on September 20, 1953. They raised four daughters and one son on their ranch northwest of Steele, ND. Paul was a naturalist who loved God in the outdoors. He dedicated his life and livelihood to raising cattle and could often be heard to say, "You take care of the cows, they'll take care of you." He enjoyed a ranching career that spanned seven decades, beginning in the era of horse-drawn farm implements and extending to the age of satellite-guided tractors. Throughout his life, he was frequently recognized and honored for his professional accomplishments. In 2013, he was named Rancher of the Year by the North Dakota Stockmen's Association. Paul is survived by his wife, Betty, and their five children and spouses, Bonnie (Phil) Peterson and Connie (Eric) Nikiforoff, ND, Nancy (Don) O'Neill, CA, Kathy (Marvin) Dykes, WA, and Terry (Donna) Smokov, SD; ten grandchildren, Amber Joy, Aaron Peterson, Adam Peterson, Alex Nikiforoff, Garrett Nikiforoff, Jason O'Neill, Kristin Harrington, Justin Smokov, Jamie Schomp, and Jodie Severson plus eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, June Miller, CA, two sisters-in-law, Lois Smokov, NM, and Alvina Smokov, CA, as well as his 106-year-old aunt, Lydia Grekoff and her daughter, Paul's close cousin, Sandee Schmidt, ND plus many other cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wasilie and Barbara Smokov, and his siblings, Mildred (Art) May, Doris (Bob) Kniefel, Johnny Smokov, and Jimmy Smokov. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Golden Manor or the Kidder-Emmons Senior Services, Steele, ND. Go to www.eastgatefuneral.com to share memories of Paul and sign the online guestbook.