December 17, 1949 - March 10, 2024
Rodney A. Schmidt, 74, of Burt, died Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society, Algona.
His family will greet friends on Saturday, March 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Water’s Edge Nature Center, Algona. Private family graveside services with military honors conducted will be held at a later date at Fenton Township Cemetery, rural Lone Rock.
Rodney Arthur Schmidt, the son of Robert Schmidt Jr. and Verona (Luedtke) Schmidt, was born Dec. 17, 1949, in the Sabin home 1/2 mile north of Burt. Rod had three brothers, Edward, Darrel and David.
Rod went to Sentral of Fenton School until he enrolled in Concordia Academy in St. Paul, Minn. to get his final high school diploma. His next venture took him to Pullman, Wash. where he got a degree in biology. Next Rod went to Bismarck, N.D. where he worked at counting ducks and eggs, or any other wildlife count. Next, he went to Yellowstone National Park to be a Ranger.
In October of 1968, Rod took his basic training and flew helicopter in Vietnam flying 2000 plus missions. He came home with many Vietnam Service Medals including four bronze stars, Air Medal Numeral 20, Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster and the Navy Marine Corps Medal.
Rod then moved to the Burt area to raise elk and buffalo. He moved to Garden Grove still raising elk and buffalo. Rod was a guide for hunters and moved to Valentine, Neb. Rod’s last stop was to move back to the Burt-Titonka area where he purchased some land to promote wildlife. He is graciously donating the property to Kossuth County Conservation. His two great friends, Mary Ree and David Rike did wonders in helping Rod out.
He is survived by two brothers, Darrel and Mary Schmidt of Algona, and David and Marla Schmidt of Lone Rock; many nieces and nephews; along with his special friend, Mary Ree of Burt, and his friend David Rike of Algona. He was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, Edward R. Schmidt; and his niece, Sara Schmidt.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.