Philip Edward Schmidt, age 81, of rural Plankinton, SD, succumbed to a short battle with lung cancer, Monday morning, February 12, 2024, at Aurora-Brule Care and Rehabilitation Center in White Lake, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, February 16, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church in Plankinton. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery, rural Storla. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, at the church, with a prayer service and rosary to begin at 7.
Philip was born October 9, 1942, to Henry and Catherine (McCall) Schmidt in Mitchell, SD. In 1948, the family moved to the farmstead where he would live the rest of his life. He attended Woodmansee School until the eighth grade. His father passed away unexpectedly when Philip was twelve. At that point, he took over the work on the family farm. He milked cows by hand and pitched hay to the stock cows before going to school every morning. He was the man of the house and helped his mother raise his three siblings. He attended high school in Lane, SD, and graduated in 1960. He took over the family farm in 1962. In 1965, Philip started milking cows by machine and continued for 47 years until February 18, 2012.
He married the love of his life, Dorene Speck, on August 24, 1968. To this union were born six children: Michelle, Nicolle, Matthew, Jonathan, Catherine, and Elizabeth. Philip was a voracious reader, a habit he passed on to many of his children. He enjoyed learning new things and spending time with his grandchildren. Philip loved the land and took joy in the changing of the seasons. He enjoyed fishing at his pond and feeding and watching birds. In the pasture, he could often be found with his dog, Daisy, as one of his favorite pastimes was fencing. His family and friends will always remember his love for his wife, children, and grandchildren, wry humor, and quiet humility.
Grateful for having shared Philip’s life are his children Michelle (Todd) Karst, Plankinton; Nicolle (Jeff) Jennings, Marshall, MN; Matthew (Darcie) Schmidt, Kimball; Jonathon (Casey) Schmidt, Plankinton; Catherine Schmidt, Wessington Springs; and Elizabeth (Justin) Morrison, Mitchell, SD; eighteen grandchildren, and one great-grandson; sister, Mary Potter, Rapid City; sister, Margaret Koenig, Fairfax, SD; sisterin- law, Cheryl Schmidt, Plymouth, MN; brother-inlaw Larry (Sheila) Speck, Billings, MT; and a sister-inlaw, Linda (Alan Baysinger) Clark, Huron; many nieces and nephews, and his good friend, Dina “Pudge” Shefner.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Dorene Schmidt; parents, Henry and Catherine Schmidt; father-in-law, Raymond Speck; mother-in-law, Edna Speck; brother, Thomas Schmidt; brother-in-law, Lloyd Potter; brother-in-law, Leo Koenig; and brother-inlaw, Jim Clark.
Arrangements are with Basham Funeral Services in Wessington Springs.
