Schmidt, Donald H. 1917-2012

SCHMIDT, ONKEN, FRAHM

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/19/2017 at 12:59:38

Donald Schmidt

August 18, 2012

Donald Schmidt, 95, of Le Mars passed away Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars, Iowa. His funeral will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 24, 2012 at St. John''s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Le Mars with Reverend Gary Landsness officiating. Interment with military honors provided by the Heeren-McHale-Wilken American Legion Post #724 will be at Memorial Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday, August 23, 2012 at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service Thursday evening at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Friday from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church.

Pallbearers will be Jake Ahrendsen, Ned Rohwedder, Dan Clement, Richard Allen, Ben Taylor, and Jack Anderson.

Donald H. Schmidt was born May 31, 1917 on the family farm in Sioux County, Iowa to Fred J. and Martha A. (Onken) Schmidt. Don was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Craig, Iowa. He was raised on the family farm and attended school in Craig. As a young man, Don helped his father on the farm before serving his country during World War II in the United States Navy. He served on the USS Arkansas as a gunner. While he was stationed at Norfolk, Virginia he was united in marriage to Emma Frahm on May 29, 1943. Don and Emma were blessed with three daughters: Marilyn, Margaret, and Glenda. Don wore many hats during his lifetime. Don had worked in a packing plant in Sioux City for a number of years. He also worked as a mechanic at Neisius Garage where he was thought to be the best mechanic in Le Mars. Don later operated Don''s Sinclair and Super America in Le Mars for many years. Don served as a member of the Le Mars Fire Rescue Department of 22 years. After his retirement from the department, he enjoyed attending the annual banquet. He was a gifted carpenter; he was always building or making something for friends and neighbors. His favorite pastime was going fishing; especially trips to Lake of the Woods in northern Minnesota. He also enjoyed going pheasant hunting. Don was a longtime member of St. John''s Lutheran Church in Le Mars and Heeren-McHale-Wilken American Legion Post #724 of Brunsville. Through the years, Don and Emma loved to go to dances at the Legion Club and attend the pancake breakfasts. He also treasured the family vacations with his "girls". In his earlier years, Don enjoyed boxing, bowling, gardening, raising rabbits, and he always had pets around the house.

Survivors include his 3 daughters: Marilyn Allen and her husband Richard of Pickerington, OH, Margaret Schmidt of Sioux Falls, SD, and Glenda Schmidt of Le Mars, IA; a grandson, Brian W. Allen and his wife Kelly of Slyvania, OH; 2 great grandsons, Shane and Kevin; special friends of the family Ben Taylor of Des Moines, IA, Jack Anderson of Sioux Falls, SD, and Ned Rohwedder of Olin, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred J. and Martha A. (Onken) Schmidt; his wife of over 60 years, Emma on March 29, 2003; a brother, Wallace Schmidt; and 2 sisters, Ramona Pecks and Madonna Clement.

Carlsen Funeral Home
Le Mars, Iowa