Harry Schmidt

Harry Schmidt, 86 of Webster died on Monday, June 13, 2011 at Jenkins Living Center in Watertown. His funeral will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday, June 17, 2011 at American Lutheran Church in Webster, Rev. Jan FitzGibbon officiating. Burial with military rites will be at Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, 5-8 P.M. and prior to services on Friday. Harry Franklin Schmidt was born on Saturday, September 6, 1924 to Franklin and Elizabeth (Krause) Schmidt on the family farm in Racine Township, Day County, South Dakota east of Webster. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Webster High School. After he received his education he worked for area farmers. In June 1945 he entered the U.S. Army and served stateside during World War II. After he was honorably discharged in May 1946 he returned to the family farm. On March 31, 1950 he was united in marriage to Alice Solberg at Bristol, South Dakota. After their marriage the couple purchased the Schmidt family farm where they made their home and farmed. To this union five children were born. In 1960 he began working for the Day County Highway Department where he drove gravel truck while still continuing to farm. In 1976 the couple sold the farm and purchased a house just west of Webster. He retired from the Highway Department in 1990. The couple also cared for their son, Kevin until his death in 2002. Alice passed away in June 2009. He entered Jenkins Living Center in April 2011. He was a member of American Lutheran Church in Webster where he had served on the Church Council and where the couple also served as custodians for fourteen years. Harry was a racing fan and enjoyed stockcars, NASCAR, and Indy racing. He had traveled to many racing events to watch his son, Allen and grandson, Jay. He also traveled to many Minnesota Twins games and enjoyed watching the Twins and Vikings with his family. The couple enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling to different areas. He also hunted and fished in the local area. He liked having coffee with his friends downtown and visiting family and friends. Harry passed away on Monday, June 13, 2011 at Watertown, South Dakota at the age of 86 years, 9 months and 7 days. Survivors include one son, Allen (Judy) Schmidt of Watertown, SD; three daughters, Kathleen (Doug) Grupe of Webster, SD, Liana (Ron) Foltz of Watertown, SD and Rhonda (Paul) Sigaty of Aberdeen, SD; two brothers, Franklin Schmidt of Spearfish, SD and Robert (Sharon) Schmidt of Webster, SD; seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son, one sister and one brother.