Robert "Mike" Schmitz entered this world on July 18, 1938, the second child of Clarence and Mary (Darcy) Schmitz at Burke, South Dakota. He went to eternal rest on June 7, 2020.
His education started at the rural Pense Country School, continuing to Sister School at Bonesteel, Fairfax Public School and then Bonesteel, graduating in 1957.
Mike was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the American Legion. He coached Pee-Wee and Midget Baseball, bowled and served on the school board.
Mike worked for local farmers and the Engineering State Department before being inducted into the Army Infantry in 1961. He received the Good Conduct Medal in expert rifle department while serving in Augsburg, Germany for 18 months during the Cuban Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1963 with the rank of Corporal, while serving with the 19th Infantry Division. After his discharge, he returned to work for the State until it closed the Engineering Department. He then bought the Audis place and ran the Bonesteel Transfer Trucking Company. Having sold the trucking company, he bought the Everson Farm and farmed until 1991. He started working for the City of Bonesteel in 1975, retiring in 2013 after 38 years under 11 different mayors.
Mike married Velma Sanden on February 12, 1965 and to this union two sons were born: Leslie and Lorn. He had a vast love for children and they were attracted to him like a magnet. They often referred to him as the "sucker man" having suckers for all of the children. He was proud and honored to think the Native American people gave him a Patriotic star quilt as well as honoring him.
Mike was well liked and will be greatly missed by his family and friends and the community. He enjoyed working on puzzles and going to his granddaughters activities, attending rodeos and watching sports on tv.
In 1974, Mike was chosen as runner-up for the Sioux City Conservation Award. Mike credited Kasey Hanson for saving his life. He was honored as Homecoming King while working for the City.
Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Cecelia Schmitz; Mike and Jenny Darcy; his parents, Clarence and Mary Schmitz; his brothers-in-law: Harlan Carlson and Doug Deffenbaugh; his niece, Sarah Schmitz; his nephew, Mark Deffenbaugh; and his great-nephew, Jacob Schmitz.
Mike is survived by his wife Velma; two sons: Leslie (Christina) Schmitz and Lorn Schmitz; his granddaughter, Annabelle; special niece, Brenda Warnke; brothers: Bill, Nub, Rick, and Vic; sisters: Phillis, Tanny, and Rose as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Private Family Funeral services for Mike Schmitz, age 81, of Bonesteel, SD will be held on Friday, June 12, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel. Burial will be in the St Marys Cemetery of Bonesteel. There will be a public visitation on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 6:30 PM at the church. A private family rosary will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday at the church.