Steven Kenneth Jans, age 70 of Westbrook, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at Sanford Sioux Falls Medical Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m. Saturday, before the service at church. Burial will be in Willow Lake Lutheran Cemetery, rural Tracy. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Steven Kenneth Jans was born October 18, 1956 in Worthington, Minnesota to Kenneth and Jordis (Julien) Jans. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Steve graduated from Westbrook High School and later attended Canby VoTech. On April 7, 1979, Steve married Brenda Mickelson at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Steve first began farming with his grandpa and dad, and was currently farming with his son. He also raised sheep for many years. Farming was Steve’s first love and he was dedicated to being a good steward of the land. He also worked as an implement mechanic for over 40 years at Seeger & Boeck (now known as Ag Power) and could fix machinery no one else could. He was a member of the Westbrook Jaycees and served as President for many years. He loved watching NASCAR and dirt track racing. His mechanical skills earned him a spot on a local pit crew for many years, building and maintaining motors for the race cars. He loved his classic cars and taking them to car shows. Steve loved fishing, especially ice fishing and loved to tell of the monster walleye he caught! He also enjoyed deer hunting, camping, gardening, and the companionship of his dog, Maggie. When he wasn’t busy farming, fishing, or tinkering on a motor, he bowled on a local league and made time to accumulate treasures at auctions. He greatly enjoyed a memorable family road trip to South Dakota and Colorado, taking in the beautiful sites. Time spent with his family was Steve’s greatest joy, especially keeping up with his grandsons’ activities.

Steve is survived by his wife of 47 years, Brenda; children: Megan Wiborg of Westbrook, Scott (Dana) Jans of Farmington, and Michael (Kyle) Jans of Westbrook; grandsons: Max & Sam Wiborg, Lynus, Bentley, Callahan, and Oaklen Jans; sisters: Julie (Mike) Costello of New Brighton and Jeanne (Steve) Tolzman of Waterville; siblings-in-law: Cindy (Rick) Davis of Iowa, Mary (Louie) Sanow of Tracy, and David Mickelson of Walnut Grove; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law.