Donald William Schmitz was born August 8, 1935, on a homestead 3 1/2 miles west of Bonesteel to Tony and Helen (Horst) Schmitz and died Wednesday, February 13, 2008, at the age of 72 years.

Don attended Country School north of Bonesteel and graduated from Bonesteel High School in 1953. For the next 5 years, Don spent most of his time working with his father and uncles Frank and Eddie on their farm and ranch operation located 1 mile east of Bonesteel.

In May of 1958, it was his honor to join the United States Army where he earned the position of Specialist 4th Class Sergeant at Fort Lewis, Washington, near Tacoma, Washington. Don was honorably discharged on April 30, 1964.

On June 17, 1961, Don married Ellen Hausmann at Immaculate Conception Church in Bonesteel, SD. Don had been home on military leave to help with the farming and ranching for he was the only son. Don and Ellen continued their future in farming and ranching as well as helping his father and uncles with their operations. To this happy union, 7 children were born.

Dons most memorable moments in life were working with cattle and horses. He especially enjoyed breaking and training the horses. Sunrise in the pasture, hearing the birds sing were truly inspirational to Don. He spent many hours with his hobbies. Metal working, welding and inventing fulfilled his spirit. He also enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, waterskiing and playing cards. Many of Dons waking and sleeping hours were spent on spinning new ideas for inventions or on ways of improving cattle operations.

Don was a member of the Bonesteel Ambulance for 14 years. Don was elected to the Bonesteel School Board for 6 years. He was also involved in many community and church building projects. Dons pleasure involved solving any type of construction problems. In 1990, Don purchased the Machine Shop in Bonesteel where he continued to manage and work on various cattle and ranching equipment until January of 2007 when he sold it to his son-in-law, Chad Bentz. For the last 3 months he enjoyed living at the Haisch Haus in Bonesteel.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Tony & Helen; his wife, Ellen; many in-laws, and a host of other relatives.

Don is survived by his children, Greg Schmitz (Bonesteel), Lee Schmitz (Sioux Falls); Gene Schmitz (Bonesteel), Dwayne Schmitz and Melissa (Bonesteel), Michele and Chad Bentz (Bonesteel), Jay and Shelly Schmitz (Bonesteel), Lynne and Kevin Bentz (Fairfax) and 13 grandchildren; special friend, Shirley Bailey (Bonesteel); sister, Deniece Warnke (Fairfax); and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Bonesteel. There will be a rosary on Sunday at 7:00 PM at the Church. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to both services at the church.