Steve Baete, age 83 of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Steve spent his entire life in uniform, living out a profound commitment to his country and community. After high school, Steve served in the United States Navy, after which he started his 63-year career in law enforcement. Steve was an officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department. He then served in corrections with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, retiring as Captain with 21 years of service to the bureau. In retirement, Steve performed background investigations on behalf of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and USIS Investigations. He completed his law enforcement career at the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

Steve had a long list of hobbies including dancing, poker, bowling, and golf. But above all, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Grateful for sharing his life is his wife of 42 years, Laura Baete of Sioux Falls, SD; his children, Marty Baete of Canoga Park, CA, Scott (Marilene) Baete of Sioux Falls, SD, Kelli (Travis) Lemke of Chanhassen, MN, Kristie (Thomas) Trimarco of Bow, NH, Michael (Suzy) Durband of Oxford, PA, Matthew (Heidi) Durband of Hartford, SD, Molly (Phillip) Joseph of Brandon, SD; 9 grandchildren: Emma, Sarah, Peyton, Ellen, Griffin, Mary-Katherine, Grace, Christopher, and Addison; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister Karen (Jerry) Weires of Omaha, NE, brother Gregory (Debbie) Baete of Harrisburg, SD, and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Alta (Wick) Baete, sister JaNelle Baete, and sister-in-law Cheryl Baete.

A visitation, with family present to greet friends, will be held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel (7400 S Minnesota Ave) in Sioux Falls. Following the visitation, a graveside service with military honors will take place at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery beginning at 1:00 PM.