Our beloved Matriarch Geraldine “Gerry” Schmidt passed away at 84 among loved ones and friends on June 7, 2024, at The Neighborhood at Brookview in Brookings, SD, after a life of cherished acts of love and service.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the United Methodist Church in White, SD. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11 with an Eastern Star Service at 7 p.m. also at the church. Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Geraldine was born on Sept. 10, 1939, in Estelline, SD, to William and Hattie Van Beek. She grew up among 10 siblings on a farm near Volga, SD. She married the love of her life and best friend Alvin Schmidt on May 14, 1959, in The Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. She loved to tell the story that they moved to their farm the day Kennedy was shot.
Gerry attended Bangor No. 4 country school near Volga and Volga Christian School. She then worked as a Nurse’s Aide at Volga Hospital. After getting married she devoted her life to farming and various organizations in the local community. She was a staple in many organizations for decades which included being a Worthy Matron in White Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary, White Community Club and United Methodist Women. She also volunteered her time and took immense pride in being Secretary and Treasurer of the Deubrook Backpack Project. She received the esteem of being a Page for the Grand Chapter of Eastern Star while also serving one year as a Grand Warden.
Gerry devoted her life to others in her acts through many organizations and family. In her free time, we always found her tending to her garden or sewing upstairs. She loved to bake, and her caramel rolls were devoured as soon as they came out of the oven. Her real joy was her family and friends.
Gerry is survived by her children; Paul (Jane) Schmidt, Wayne (Rebecca) Schmidt; Daughter -in -Laws Cindy and Cathy Schmidt; Son-in-law Myron Pomrenke; sisters Gert Dykhouse, Viola (John) Brastrom, and Jan Clapp; brother Bill (Shari) Van Beek; fifteen grandchildren, and a number she would always grinningly waver on the number of great and great-grandchildren. As well as many nieces and nephews
Gerry is preceded in death by Alvin Schmidt (Husband) Keith Schmidt (Son) Teresa Pomrenke (Daughter), Brian Schmidt (Son) Her parents Bill and Hattie, brothers Conrad and Chuck and sisters Alice, Cora, Willy, and Harriet.
Gerry lived her life through her acts of generosity and kindness having never met a stranger and welcoming all as family. She spread her love through the world with an ability to listen without judgement and took the time for anyone that needed it. Gerry will be deeply missed, and many generations will still feel the love she shared with them.
