Brian L. Schmidt
June 18, 1964 - February 14, 2024
Interment: Fairview Cemetery, White, SD
Brian L. Schmidt, age 59, of White, SD passed away on February 14, 2024, at the Brookings ER due to complications from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, a disease that he had for over 23 years.
Brian was born on June 18, 1964, at Volga, SD, the 4th child of Alvin and Geraldine (Van Beek) Schmidt. Brian grew up in White, SD. He graduated from Deubrook High School in 1982, where he participated in sports and music. He attended Huron College for 1 year on a music scholarship, and then returned to the farm in White.
Brian held various jobs throughout his life (most involving cars) until he landed at Mills Construction in July of 1990 and moved up the ranks. He was a superintendent for Mills at the time of his death. Brian enjoyed mentoring the younger workers and always strived to give the customer the best finished product possible.
In 1985, Brian joined the National Guard, which took him to places like Korea, the Netherlands, and several areas of the United States for guard camps. In 1990, as part of the 1742nd Clear Lake, he was part of Desert Storm, returning home to South Dakota in May of 1991.
On May 12, 1990, Brian married Cindy Osmond in White, SD, where they have made their home since 1989. To this union they were blessed with a son, Austin, and “Daddy’s Little Girl” Autumn. 4H and music were a part of his younger years that Brian enjoyed sharing with his children. He participated in many demo derbies in the 80s and 90s, always looking for the perfect station wagon. He loved cars and had many throughout his life-some he regretted letting go! Brian also raised cows as his hobby and loved them so much.
Brian was very involved in his community. He was on the White Ambulance Crew for over 40 years, White Fire Department for 35 years, a lifelong member of the Methodist Church in White where he taught Sunday school for many years, and held various positions, a member of the Higgins Jessen Post 88 where he also held many positions, a White Community Club member, White Star Chapter 16 member, and a member of the Washington Lodge 111 of Fraternal Order of Masonry.
Brian was loved by so many; his loss leaves a big hole in our hearts.
Brian is survived by his wife, Cindy Schmidt; son, Austin Schmidt of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Autumn (Colin) Garr, of Brookings; grandchildren: Xander and Willow Garr of Brookings; mother Gerry Schmidt, of Brookings; brothers: Paul (Jane) Schmidt, of Brookings, and Wayne (Becky) Schmidt, of White; brothers-in-law Myron Pomrenke, of White, and Randy Osmond, of Richfield, MN; sister-in-law Cathy Schmidt of Volga; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, and one great-grandniece. Brian also leaves behind special friends Carl Basmajian, Matthew Frogodt, Dale Meyer, Bill Denison, Barry Gordon, Kaylyn Chapman, Olivia Selleck, Hope Selleck, Abbey Selleck, and Jackson Selleck.
He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin; brother, Keith; sister Teresa Pomrenke; sister-in-law Sara Schmidt; his grandparents; and his aunts and uncles.
Blessed be his memory.
