Arnold "Arnie" Paul Schmidt, 95, formerly of Redfield, passed away February 7, 2015, at the Bethesda Home in Aberdeen. His memorial service will be Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Pastor Nathan Henschen will officiate. Cremains burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. (www.thelenfuneralhome.com)

Arnold was born December 26, 1919, in Redfield to Paul and Meta (Krueger) Schmidt. He attended country school through the 8th grade. On September 2, 1941, he married Bethel Spry in Northville, SD. Together they farmed near Redfield until 1993, when they moved to Rapid City, SD. Arnie received the Spink County Soil Conservation Award in the early 1970's and served on the Redfield Township Board. Arnie was a member Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Redfield and held various church offices. While living in Rapid City, he volunteered to be a school crossing guard for five years. In 2001, Arnie and Bethel moved to Aberdeen where they resided until the time of his death. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Aberdeen.

Arnie was a true farmer; he loved everything about farming and taking care of the land. Arnie and Bethel also enjoyed traveling and have visited 47 of the 50 United States together.

He is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Bethel, his daughter and son-in-law Lynelle Jo and Neal Woolson of Palmelto, FL, and one daughter-in-law, Pam Schmidt of Redfield. He is also survived by two grandsons: Loyal (Jennifer) Schmidt of Ft. Collins, CO; and Dustin (Dawn) Schmidt of Redfield. Sharing in his life were his two great grandchildren: Nicolette Schmidt of Redfield and Harley Schmidt of Ft. Collins, CO, and his sister-in-law Fern Schmidt of Redfield and two nieces and one nephew.

Arnie was preceded in death by one son Russel, his brother Leonard and also an infant brother.