Dorothea O'Tilla Schmidt, 83, of Redfield, SD, formerly of Rockham, SD died Monday, December 20 2010 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield.

Her funeral will be Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Reverend Stephen Perry will officiate.

After a time for lunch and fellowship, burial will be in Rockham Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present to accept condolences from 6 to 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Dorothea was born July 8, 1927, on the family farm near Rockham, to Ted and Tilly (Neu) Stapp. She was raised on the farm, and attended school through grade 8 in Rockham and high school in Redfield. Dorothea received her teacher's certificate after taking a six week course at Northern.

Dorothea married Milton Schmidt on March 12, 1947. Together they lived and farmed in Lynn Township in Hand County. She taught school for one year in Plato Township. They continued to live in Lynn Township until they moved to the Eastern Star Apartments in April of 2010.

She was a member of the Rockham Methodist Church until it closed and then became a member of the United Methodist Church in Redfield. Dorothea was active in the U.M.W. and a bible study group for many years. She would spend her spare time bowling on a bowling league, or watching all kinds of sports, playing games or cooking. Dorothea also liked to crochet, knit and loved making quilts.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Milton, five children: Gary of Rockham, Greg (Linda) of Coeur d' Alene, ID, Grant of Rockham, SD, Gwen (Randy) Johnson of Miller, SD and Cindy (Bob) Nuhsbaumer of Zell, SD. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren; two brothers LeRoy (Ginny) Stapp of Redfield of Redfield and LaDell (Lani) Stapp of Eagle Rock, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothea was preceded in death by her parents, one great grandson, Dakota Everett Schmidt.