Former Blair resident Rodney E. Schmit, 71, died Oct. 28, 2005, at his home in Selby, S.D.

Funeral services were Nov. 2, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Selby, and interment was in All Saints Catholic Cemetery and Andover, S.D.

Rodney Eugene Schmit was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Andover to Nick and Pearl (Kraal) Schmit. He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Andover, then served in the United States Marines for four years.

On Jan. 6, 1963, he married Sharon Zimmerman. The couple was married for 40 years.

Mr. Schmit worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for more than 20 years, then became a federal railroad inspector for the Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1997.

His work had taken him to several states, but his love for South Dakota, with its hunting and fishing and “good, clean, fresh air” drew him back to Selby where his sister lived.

His family notes that he loved the outdoors “and in being his usual helpful self, Rodney helped local farmers plant, see, farm and garden.”

He is remembered as never having lost his sense of humor. “He retained a sense of humor and was quick with the quips. Pleasant and outgoing, he made everyone feel they were his best friends. He loved to chat with everyone he met and exchange stories.”

He enjoyed playing cards, having coffee with his friends, traveling and spending time with his grandson and grandnephews.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Amy Schmit of Papillion; one grandson; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane Mattson, Karen and Roger Bucholz, and Alyce and Henry Harich, all of Spearfish, S.D., and Carolyn Schmit of Selby; two brothers and sister-in-law, Richard Schmit of Seattle, Wash., and Allen and Leslie Schmit of Bismarck, N.D.; and special nephew and wife, Jack and Sharon Schmit of Bloomington, Ind.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, he was preceded in death by a baby daughter, Terri Lynn; and infant sons, Timothy and Jonathan; his parents; and three brothers, Donald, Pete and Jim.

Find A Grave Memorial# 12238339

(Source: 8 Nov. Pilot-Tribune Newspaper clipping on file in the Blair, NE library)