Milton Thomas Schmida

Wellman - Milton Thomas Schmida, 89, died on March 31, 2023, with his wife of 64 years and family at his side. 

Milton was born on March 20, 1934, in Letcher, South Dakota, the son of Thomas and Louise (Swedensky) Schmida. He graduated high school from Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell, SD.  After graduation, Milton joined the United States Navy and served our country proudly. Upon completion of his service, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dakota Wesleyan and his Masters Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of South Dakota. 

Milton's life was changed forever when a lovely young woman caught his eye across the room at the VFW in Mitchell. Milton was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Ann White, on January 29, 1959, in Sioux Falls, SD. Together they built a life of faith, laughter, and love. The two remained inseparable until the angels carried him away.  His final words of I love you, were for Patricia.

Milton was a dedicated and caring educator for over 40 years, serving as a director of Guidance and Counseling for Todd County Schools in SD, as the Director of Gerard of Iowa in Mason City, IA, and as school psychologist, retiring in 2004 from Area Education Agency 15 in Ottumwa, IA. He has been an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wellman and served on the City of Wellman Board of Adjustment. Milton loved spending time with family, reading, fishing, playing cribbage, tending to his vegetable garden, and cheering for the Iowa Hawkeyes. One of Milton's greatest joys was watching his grandchildren as they participated in sports and extracurricular activities. He was a quiet, thoughtful man and his wife and children adored him beyond measure. They are grateful for his wisdom and his steady presence through the years.

He is survived by his wife Patricia; six children: Gregory Schmida of Washington, IA, Jane (Kip) Augspurger of Des Moines, IA, Milton J. (Jackie) Schmida of LaCrosse, WI, Molly (Steve) Lugar of Kalona, IA, Patrick (Michel) Schmida of Altoona, IA, and Heather (Scott) Gudenkauf of Cedar Rapids, IA; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; six siblings, Beverly Vearrier of Rapids City, SD, Kae (Jerry) Pugh of San Diego, CA, Larry (Susan) Schmida of Rapids City, SD, Robert (Colleen) Schmida of Omaha, NE, Stephan (Pat) Schmida of Austin, MN, Mary Ann Titus of Sioux Falls, SD, and brother-in-law, Dr. Ray Wahl of Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Patricia Wahl and Sharon Murphy, his niece Bronwyn Pugh, and a daughter-in-law Kimbra Valenti.

The family would like to express their profound thanks to Hospice of Washington County, especially to Dan, Chrys, Rose, Amy, Melissa, and Elisabeth for the exceptional care they provided Milton and Patricia in his final months.

A Funeral Mass Service will be 11:00 am Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wellman. Visitation will be from 10:00 to until service time. A Rosary service will be at 9:30 am Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Burial will be after the Luncheon at 1:30 pm at the Wellman Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for Hospice of Washington County and St. Joseph’s Church in Wellman. Messages my be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder-Powell funeral is caring for Milton and his family.