Jeffrey Paul Maks, 61, passed away Wednesday, June 16 ^th , 2021 at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jeff was born in Portland, OR to Stephen Wayne Maks and Mary Rosalind (Hartnett) Maks, the third of four children. Jeff grew up in Portland up until his senior year of high school when he moved to Sturgis, SD. Following his high school graduation, Jeff went on to earn his baccalaureate degree in political science from Creighton University in Omaha, NE before earning his juris doctorate in 1985 from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD. Jeff spent the next 36 years practicing law with and alongside countless colleagues that grew so fond of Jeff, as he did of them.

During law school Jeff spent time in Rapid City interning at Lynn Jackson Law firm where he met the love of his life and soulmate, Dory. The two were instantly drawn to one another and quickly fell in love. In their almost 33 years of marriage, Jeff and Dory built an incredible life, home and family together. In 1991 they welcomed their first child, Christopher, into the world. Shortly after in 1995, they welcomed their second child, Courtney into their loving family.

Growing up in Oregon, Jeff always had a special place in his heart for the outdoors. It began with family trips to the coast or Bend, OR when he was young. When he moved to the Black Hills he consistently could be found camping, hiking, or biking the Mickelson Trail with his family. As his kids got older, Jeff put all of his energy into their athletics whether it was coaching baseball and basketball for both kids or, as they grew older being their number two fan in the stands (number one being their mother of course). His family was his world, and they will miss him deeply.

Just like his family, Jeff's friends were a central part of his life. From Water Buffalo camping trips to Jimmy Buffet parties to annual golf trips with law school buddies, Jeff was there for it all. He was so fiercely and deeply loved by so many that knew him. Jeff was caring, generous, selfless, loyal, determined and a loving dad, husband, brother, friend, colleague and so much more.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Dory, children Chris (Carlyn) of Rapid City, SD and Courtney (Aaron) of Rochester, MN. His older brothers Dan (Susie) of Portland, OR, Pat (Susie) of Colombus, OH, his little sister Stephanie (JT) of Omaha, NE, his parents-in-law, Harland and Mavis Anderson, of Fairmont, MN; his brothers-in-law Keith (Kathy) of Aurora, CO, Dan (Evelyn) and his sister-in-law Mary (Scott) both of Lafayette, CO as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends that felt more like family.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Mary Maks, his Aunt Margaret, Aunt Marlene and Uncle Dave.

Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Vigil starting at 7:00 p.m.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered on June 25 ^th , 2021 at 10 am at Blessed Sacrament Church. Fellowship will follow within the Parish Hall. Please come and share stories of Jeff for all to remember.

A memorial has been established in Jeff's name to the South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks Outdoor Campus - West, Youth Programs.