Eldon Schmidt

Eldon Schmidt was born on March 27, 1938, to Lloyd and Elizabeth “Betty” (Janzen) Schmidt. He attended a country school until 3rd grade, then elementary school in Marion South Dakota until the 8th grade at which time he began to work on the family farm. He attended Bethesda Mennonite Church in rural Marion and was baptized and accepted Christ as his savior at age 15. Eldon enjoyed roaming the countryside, hills and rivers with his dog Shep. He enjoyed hunting in his youth.

Eldon married the love of his life, Joann (Ihnen) Schmidt on February 13, 1959, and they lived on a rented farm just east of Marion. Eldon joined the 147th Field Artillery of the National Guard at age 17 and was called to duty in August of 1961 during the Berlin wall crisis. Eldon and Joann spent 6 months in active duty in Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army National Guard, and the birth of their first son, Scott they returned to the Marion farm, and purchased a farm in rural Parker, South Dakota, in 1964. Shortly thereafter, their son Troy was born in 1966. They had a dairy herd, pigs, chickens and other livestock that they raised and along with their crops.

His love for travel was apparent as they would spend 2 weeks every May traveling with his family to all 50 states and in September to Europe, Canada as well as cruises and tours to various countries with Joann. After 28 years of farming, they sold the dairy herd and began traveling in the winter months. Eldon was a hard-working Husband, Father and Farmer. He always provided for his family and ensured that they had everything they needed. They became winter Texans in 2000 and full time Texas Residents in 2021 in a senior community in which they reside today. Eldon was known as “Schmitty” to many of his friends and neighbors. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, time with his family, friends and neighbors. The greatest joy in his life was his love for his family, as well as his love for traveling. He thought Elvis Presley was the greatest singer of all time and loved to listen to gospel music. His favorite song was “Oh Happy Day” and would sing it often.

Eldon was proceeding in death by his parents Lloyd and Elizabeth “Betty” Schmidt. He is survived by his wife Joann, Sons Scott Schmidt (Bryan Jackson), Troy Schmidt (Michelle), 4 Grandchildren, Erica Cullinan (Phillip), Leah Reyes (Daniel), Joshua Schmidt (Alaina), and Hannah Schmidt (Scott Rubaszewski). 3 Great Grandchildren, Jayden, Nora, Orion and a great granddaughter on the way. He is also survived by 2 sisters Sharon Tieszen (Larry), Shirley Bormann (Duane), and 1 brother Rick Schmidt (Sue). He loved his family and will be missed by many.

Eldon’s spirit will live on in many ways and will always be part of the land he farmed in South Dakota, the family he raised and the many lives he came into contact with. Eldon is now in Heaven with his parents and will forever live in our hearts, minds and souls. We love you and look forward to the day when we meet again in heaven, on the streets of gold.