Allen Schmidt

Allen G. Schmidt, age 69, died at his home in Willow Lake, SD on Friday, March 11, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, March 18, 2022 from 5-7 PM at the Furness Funeral Home of Clark and one hour prior to the services. Services will be held Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11 AM at the Furness Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Leroy Boender and full military honors following the service by the NE SD Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1054, Johnnie Fonken American Legion Post 113 and the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Urn bearers will be represented by Allen's grandchildren. Burial will be held at Collins Cemetery in Willow Lake, SD at a later date.

Allen Gene Schmidt was born on April 16, 1952, to Menno "Babe" and Phyllis (Herker) Schmidt. He graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1970. He joined the military in 1972 and worked in communications in the Air Force for four years.   He then married Melana Seehuetter in 1975 and to this union had a daughter, Heather.  Following his honorable discharge, Al graduated from Mitchell Tech with a degree in electrical work.

While Al worked in several different fields, his expertise was in electrical work but his passion was really in farming.  He first worked for Muth Electric, sold cars for a brief period and later worked for Super Pumper Inc where he helped design and build gas stations/convenience stores.  When that company was sold, he moved back to the Willow Lake area and continued in the construction business working by himself.  With the urging of his brother, Al finished his last construction project and went to work with Bob on the Farm.  Al was always the technical advisor behind every project on the farm, from grain bins to new buildings and additions.  When the new irrigation dealership was opened at Schmidtco Inc., Al served as Service Manager.  Through the last twenty years Al was an integral part in building and expanding both the Schmidtco business and the farm.

Al enjoyed woodworking, doing crossword puzzles and loved history, often remembering almost everything he read.  He also loved watching basketball and recently was able to see the SDSU championship game with his two nephews.  He was a former member of the Lions Club and Jaycees Club. He was also a member of the Willow Lake Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter of NE South Dakota. He was a councilman of the City of Willow Lake from January 2006 to September 2009 where he was then appointed to Mayor from September 2009 to January 2012.  One of his major accomplishments was to get new sidewalks stamped like boardwalks in front of the main street businesses.

Al will long be remembered for being a "jack of all trades," for his iconic dog "Pete," and for being a loyal brother and friend for life.  He was most proud of the success of his daughter and her family and enjoyed being able to spend many winter vacations visiting his grandchildren.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Leo) Garcia of Charlotte, NC and his four grandchildren Aili, Elijah, Brielle, and Bella Garcia; his mother, Phyllis (Herker) Schmidt of Willow Lake, SD; his brothers, Terry (Brenda) Schmidt of Watertown, SD, Bob (Melanie) Schmidt of Willow Lake, SD; and niece Michelle (Shawn) Poe and daughters Calista and Elise Poe of Sioux Falls, SD.  Nephews Michael (Kelsey) Schmidt of Spirit Lake, IA and Garrett (Brooklyn) Schmidt and their children Abram, Vada & Hugh of Willow Lake and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his father, Menno "Babe" Schmidt, and his nephew Erik Lee Schmidt

Memorials would be preferred in lieu of flowers.

Services are with Furness Funeral Home where there is an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com