Ralph Earlynn Schmidt, 80, of Sisseton , SD passed away peacefully Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Tekakwitha Living Center, Sisseton, SD. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Cahill Funeral Chapel with graveside services to follow at Sisseton Cemetery, with Pastor Scott Davis officiating. Organist will be Steve Eneboe. Pallbearers will be Dale Chilson, Virgil George, Loren Konda, Carlos Schmidt, John Schmidt, and Michael Schmidt. Honorary Pallbearers will be All of Ralph's Neighbors, Friends & Family. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. prior to the service. Military Rites will be by the Otto-Quande-Renville American Legion Post #50 and Fort Sisseton VFW Post #3342. The service will be videoed and posted on the Cahill's website. Seating is limited; mask and social distancing will be required.

Ralph was born February 27, 1940 to Edith (Tumbleson) and Carl Danforth Schmidt. Ralph was a lifelong farmer, having taken over the farm work at age 16 after his father Carl was killed in a farming accident.  Ralph attended Goodwill #2, Sisseton grade school, and graduated from Sisseton High School in 1958 and attended SDSU and Huron College. Ralph was drafted into the US Army in 1961 and finished basic training before being honorably discharged. Ralph married Harolyn Beth Blewett in 1965, and together they had 4 children. Ralph was a lifelong learner and attended night classes at Lake Area Technical College as well.  Ralph was active in the community as a 4-H leader, on the Township Board for Goodwill Township, the Weed Board, Masons and Eastern Star, on the Cenex Board, the Cemetery Board and a member of the American Legion. His hobbies were numerous, He enjoyed wood turning on his lathe, metal working, and loved reading.  Ralph also enjoyed playing on his computer and watching old westerns.

Ralph is survived by his wife Harolyn Beth, and 4 children, Carl (Noemi) Schmidt of Bloomington MN, Marianne Schmidt of Wilmot SD, Alan (Jill) Schmidt of Sisseton SD and Janet Schmidt of Sisseton SD, and 4 Grandchildren, Carlos, John, Michael, and Ashley.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 infant siblings.

Please direct any memorials to the Library or Local Veterans Organization of your choice.