Steven Frank Soelzer, 73, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Steve was born on September 10, 1953, in Rapid City, South Dakota, to Frank and Helen Soelzer. Apart from a brief stay in Northern California, he spent his whole life in the Black Hills he called home.

For many years Steve worked as a saw filer for sawmills across the Hills. It was skilled, careful work that kept the mills running, and he took pride in doing it well. His heart, though, was always with his cattle. Ranching was more than work to Steve. He loved the early mornings, the seasons of calving and haying, and the quiet satisfaction of caring for his herd. Hardly a day went by that he didn’t drive through the cows two or more times, just to check on them. He was a true cowboy: at home in the saddle, skilled on horseback, and never happier than when he was part of a cattle drive.

Above all, Steve’s life centered on his family. He was always there for the ones he loved. The lessons he taught about ranch life had a way of applying to everything else, and he loved watching the people around him grow in knowledge and work ethic. He loved his wife, Mary, with all his heart, and his three sons, Christopher, Joshua, and Timothy, were always a source of pride for him.

Steve is survived by his wife, Mary; his sons, Joshua (Beth); Timothy; Nicole and Andy Tricker, and his grandchildren, Austin, Christian, Caleb, Alex, Lila, and Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Helen Soelzer, and his son, Christopher.

Visitation will be at Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Thursday, October 29 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for close family members, friends and others may visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 30, 2026, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Cancer research www.stjude.org .