Lester E. Schmeichel

McLaughlin, SD

1940, 762, Custer, F-12,

Funeral services for Lester Schmeichel, age 94, of McLaughlin were Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Freedom Fellowship Church in McLaughlin. Burial at ND Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Lester passed away Sunday, April 28, 2013 at the Mobridge Regional Hospital.

Lester Schmeichel was born on August 21, 1918 in McLaughlin, SD, to Fred and Emily (Hindemith) Schmeichel. He grew up in McLaughlin attending grades one through eight. Upon eighth grade graduation times were tough. Lester went to work for David Hinsz, and then later for Fred Schneider for $1 a day to help support his family during the difficult years of the 1930s. Every morning started with family devotions with the Schneider family. Jobs began to open in the Black Hills for Conservation Corp Camps in 1937. Lester worked at whatever jobs were available until 1941 when he was called by Uncle Sam to serve his country.

While in basic training war was declared. He was immediately loaded onto a train and sent to North Africa. Lester was a front-line mechanic in the "Hell on Wheels" Company, Second Armored Division. He was involved in all the major battles of the European, African, and Middle Eastern tour during WWII. In those battles Lester earned several awards and medals, including the bronze star medal.

Lester was honorably discharged in September of 1945 and returned home to marry Edna Moser in 1946. They lived in McLaughlin and raised their two girls, Fay and Barb, and their two sons, Harvey and Dan. He supported his family by farming and ranching, and then eventually started his own business in 1953. His sons took over Schmeichel’s Repair in 1979. Lester continued to farm until 1988 and then returned to Schmeichel’s Repair until recently. He spent his remaining time enjoying his beautiful wife and his bountiful garden.

His family finds it difficult to summarize almost 95 years of hard work, Christ-centered devotion in a small writing, but his legacy continues through his children, 15 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Lester shared many hobbies with his family such as gardening, hunting, traveling, motorcycling, snowmobiling, fishing, camping, woodworking, welding, and mechanical skills. Lester was a member of the Post 121 American Legion, Freedom Fellowship Church. He was also the King of the McLaughlin Centennial. The most special time of his day was sharing devotions with his wife every morning before starting their day.

He is survived by his wife, Edna; daughters, Fay (Norm) Anderson, of Nebraska City, NE; Barb (Dennis) Ernster of Sioux Falls, SD; and sons, Harvey (Patti) Schmeichel of McLaughlin; and Dan (Kathy) Schmeichel of McLaughlin, SD; brothers, Willard of McLaughlin; Myron (Ann) of McLaughlin; 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Alfred, Robert, Oscar, Art and sister Ruth.

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