Wilfred 'Bill' Schmidt

Wilfred (Bill) Schmidt, 87, passed away Monday, July 30, 2012, at his residence following a lengthy illness. Bill was born in O'Brian County Oct. 6 1925, the son of Lillian (Wiese) and George Schmidt. He graduated from Gaza High School. Bill was united in marriage to Donna (Pettengill) Schmidt in Cherokee in 1947. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in February of this year. Bill and Donna were residents of Cherokee with moves to Charlotte, N.C. and Waco, Tex. during their marriage. Bill was a WWII veteran serving in the Navy in the Pacific theater as a Captain Signalman until his discharge in 1946. Bill worked for Moorman Feeds for 17 years, had a hog farrowing operation, owned Bills Decorating here in Cherokee, managed the hanger facilities for Elsinor Aerospace in Waco, Tex., and maintained Immaculate Conception Church for 17 years. Bill was very civic minded as a member of the Knights of Columbus, delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife Donna, worked with the Share Program in Cherokee, served on the Pork Commission, and was a member of the local VFW. Bill was a tremendous athlete and received numerous awards for basketball and baseball during his high school years. Later in life, golf became his passion. He and wife Donna were members of Cherokee Country Club for over 50 years. Bill scored 3 holes-in-one during his golfing career and was once the oldest member to qualify for the Sioux Valley Golf Tournament. Bill also loved to hunt, fish, and entertain their numerous friends. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, sister Evelyn Gill, brothers Wayne and Gerald, several brothers and sisters-in law, and numerous beloved friends. He is survived by his wife Donna, son Craig of Cherokee and daughters Vicki (Trees) of Trophy Club, Tex and Mindy (Rainer) of Surfside Beach, S.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren Courtney McLaughlin and Ragan Weathers of Charlotte, N.C., and Eric and Brian Trees of Florida. He and Donna have 3 great grandchildren, Isabella McLaughlin and Logan and Porter Trees. He is also survived by sisters LaVera Rehder and Dorothy Schmitt and brother Melburn Schmidt.

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