Greg Smestad, 69, passed away April 13, 2026.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1PM on Sunday, April 19, at Bismarck Community Church, 1617 Michigan Ave, Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 4-5 PM on Saturday, April 18, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 5PM.

Gregory (Greg) Smestad was born in Minot , ND on August 28th, 1956 to the late Dale Smestad and Mary (Krueger) Smestad. He spent his childhood growing up alongside his parents and his sister, Nancy. Greg was known as a shy and sweet child, with a gentle nature that drew people to him. He was an excellent student who approached school with attention and curiosity, laying the foundation for his lifelong love of learning. From his early years, he showed a quiet appreciation for the outdoors and the simple beauty of the world around him.

After graduating from Minot High School in 1974, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Minot State College in 1978, where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and made many lifelong friendships. He later received a Master of Science in Natural Resource Management from North Dakota State University in 1980. That same year, he was united in marriage to Jane Christenson.

Greg and Jane made their home in Bismarck, where they raised their three daughters. Greg built a long and dedicated career with Knife River Coal Mining Company before transitioning into independent consulting.

Greg had a deep appreciation for nature and God’s creation. He often spent time on family walks, stopping to admire leaves and vegetation-much to the impatience of his daughters. He found joy in the details of the natural world and marveled at its beauty. His faith was central to his life, and he was a devoted member of his church community, always among the first to volunteer wherever help was needed.

Known for being intentional, Greg did not take decisions lightly and chose his words with care. He also took great pride in maintaining his home, including an impeccably manicured lawn and perfectly trimmed spiral tree that many admired.

Greg found immense joy in being a grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandkids-building homemade projects, swimming, tossing a ball, and simply being present with them. One of his greatest joys was singing “Jesus Loves Me” to his grandchildren.

Greg will be remembered for his steady presence, his deep faith, his love of family, and his appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished so deeply.

Greg was preceded in death by his father, Dale Smestad; his mother-in-law, Lloy Christenson; his stepmother-in-law Barb Christenson; and his sister-in-law Jan Christenson. He is survived by his loving wife, Jane Smestad; his mother, Mary Smestad; his father-in-law Allen Christenson; his children, Erin (Dan) Holly, Jenny (Cody) Doom, and Christina (Chris) Schmaltz; and his grandchildren, Wilder Holly; Kasen, Kinley, and Bridger Doom; and Liam, Ryker, and Peyton Schmaltz. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy (Mike) Mabin; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce (Susan) Christenson and Rod (Karen) Christenson; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity of your choice or plant a tree in Greg’s honor.