Marlin Schmidt

Marlin Schmidt, 91 of Webster died on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Bethesda Home in Webster. His funeral will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 14, 2012 at United Methodist Church in Webster, Pastor Eugene Moeller will officiate. Burial with military rites will be at Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday 5-7 P.M. then continue at the church on Friday 10 A.M. to service time. The family prefers memorials be directed to the United Methodist Golden Book of Memories, 108 E. 9th Ave., Webster, SD 57274. Marlin Howard Schmidt was born on Wednesday, April 27, 1921 to Walter and Lydia (Krueger) Schmidt on the family farm near Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized in the Morton Methodist Church and confirmed at the Webster United Methodist Church. He attended country school near his home and graduated from Webster High School in 1939. He then took training for welding, lathe work and blueprint reading at Sand Lake Refuge. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in August 1942 and served during World War II and was stationed in Okinawa, Iwo Gima, Philippines, Australia and New Guinea. He was on the first airplane into Japan after they surrendered. After his honorable discharge in November 1945 he returned to the Webster Area. He was united in marriage to Verna Prieb on December 20, 1945. After their marriage the couple made their home on a farm southeast of Webster. Besides farming, Marlin was know as an inventor and built a four-wheel-drive tractor and many other implements that he used in his farming operation. He also repaired many things for neighbors and others. He received 2nd place in the state as an Outstanding Young Farmer in 1955. In 1970 the couple sold the farm and moved to Webster where he was a C.E.T.A. Certified Welding Instructor and taught welding in Webster and Watertown Public Schools. He also was a V.I.S.T.A. Supervisor working with N.E.S.C.A.P. Later he developed a material for bee foundations and started his company, Permadent, which operated for several years. His products were sold all over the world. He sold the business in 1988. In his retirement he had the opportunity to do woodworking and created many family heirlooms for his family and many others. Marlin entered Bethesda Home in Webster several years ago. Verna passed away on September 1, 2012. Marlin was a member of the United Methodist Church in Webster where he taught Sunday School, held numerous leadership positions and helped build their education addition. His hobbies included woodworking, rock collecting and rock tumbling. He also enjoyed their lake cabin at Enemy Swim Lake. He was a member of Herbert McKennett Post 40 America Legion, V.F. W. Post 4690, Farm Bureau, Northeast South Dakota Wool Growers Association, South Dakota Wheat Council. He was a founding member of Dakota, Inc. where he served on their Board of Directors. Marlin passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 12 days. Marlin is survived by his children; Marilyn Nelson of Webster, Linda Buchko of Rapid City, SD, and Howard (Joni) Schmidt of Loveland, Co. His Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren; Lisa (Tim) Mawdsley and Alyssa of Grimes, IA; Dan (Liz) Buchko of Rapid City, SD, Chris Nelson of Whitewood, SD and his son, Stone, Becca Nelson, and Taylor, Camden and Dylan of Redfield, SD, Matt Buchko of Rapid City, SD and Howie Schmidt (USD) of Vermillion, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, Duane and Ralph and one sister Ferne Grebner.