Kirby Nauta, 65, of Spearfish, SD, passed away on May 17, 2025. He was born on August 21, 1959, in Laramie, WY, to Carl and LaVonne Nauta.

During his early childhood, Kirby lived in several Wyoming towns as his father worked on road construction projects across the state. In the summer of 1968, the family settled in Douglas, WY, where Kirby completed his schooling and graduated from Douglas High School in 1977.

A gifted athlete, Kirby participated in multiple sports throughout his school years but especially excelled in wrestling. He was a multi-year state placer and won the state championship as a junior. His success on the mat earned him a wrestling scholarship, which allowed him to pursue higher education. He began his college career at the University of Wyoming before transferring to Black Hills State University, where he graduated with a degree in education.

After graduating, Kirby fell in love with the Black Hills and chose to make Spearfish his permanent home. He spent many years working at the Pope & Talbot Sawmill before fully embracing his entrepreneurial spirit.

Kirby had a passion for new ventures and was never afraid to take a risk. Over the years, he owned and operated a sporting goods store, founded Alpine Impressions, a local screen-printing business, purchased and ran James Photography, and launched his own hunting and fishing guide service.

Outside of his family, Kirby's greatest passion was the outdoors. A lifelong sportsman, he was an avid hunter and fisherman who traveled across the United States—and beyond—chasing adventure and experiencing the natural world to its fullest.

Becoming a father, and later a grandfather, was the greatest joy of his life. He loved his children deeply and cherished every moment he could spend with them and his grandkids. He found true happiness in being present in their lives.

Kirby never met a stranger. He had more friends than one could count and loved striking up a conversation with anyone willing to talk—about hunting, fishing, sports, or politics. He always had a strong opinion and wasn't afraid to share it—or tell you exactly why he disagreed with yours.

Cancer was the greatest challenge Kirby faced, and he met it with courage, grit, and optimism that inspired everyone around him. Though private about his faith, he leaned on his belief in God throughout his journey. For Kirby, church wasn't just a building—it was every time he stepped into the woods or out onto a lake.

Kirby is survived by his children, Stacy (Zach) Wall of Las Vegas, NV, and Branden Nauta of Las Vegas, NV; three grandchildren, Charlie Wall, Jordyn Wall, and Tucker Wall; his father, Carl Nauta; and siblings, Susan Ditson, Justin (Christina) Nauta, Rene Nauta, and David (Melinda) Nauta.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Garrett Nauta, and his mother, LaVonne Nauta.

A celebration of life will be held at Connection Church in Spearfish, SD on July 26th, 2025 at 2:00pm.  A reception will follow.