Jeff entered into eternal life after a long battle with diabetic related health issues, on January 27, 2024 at Sanford Hospital Webster, surrounded by his family who will forever miss him.

Livestream video of Jeff's funeral will be viewed on Coester Funeral Home Facebook page.

Jeffrey Joe Schmidt was born on June 19, 1950, at Winner, SD, the second born child of Matthew and Irene Schmidt. His father died when Jeff was 11 years old. His mother then married Lee McIntyre and the family settled in Gregory, SD.

As a boy Jeff enjoyed sports, mostly basketball, and tearing around the town in his 57 Chevy with his best friend Butch.

On October 28, 1972, Jeff married the love of his life Elizabeth Ann Kraft at the Justice of the Peace in Pierre, SD and started their life in Timber Lake, SD. To this union their son Shawn Wade Schmidt was born June 24, 1973. In 1974 Jeff and his brother in law, David Kraft, started West River Honey Farms, raising bees for the purpose of producing honey. Their families lived in Lake Wales, Florida along with Jeff's brother Matthew Schmidt in the winter months and then back to Timber Lake when the weather warmed up. When in Timber Lake, he also hauled whey to Mandan, ND at night for extra income as well as working in the cheese factory in Timber Lake.

In 1984 they welcomed their daughter Heather Mae Schmidt. After the birth of their daughter, Jeff graduated from a 6 week Law Enforcement training and became Chief of Police for the City of Timber Lake, Deputy Sheriff for Dewey County as well as a volunteer EMT. His wife Betty joined him on many police outings during this time.

In 1994, their family moved to Webster, SD where Jeff became Deputy Sheriff of Day County. Early on he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family, especially with his son. Any break he had, that is where you would find them. There are many memories of fishing on Oahe Dam in Mobridge and family camping trips. He loved attending his children's sporting events, first cheering on his son Shawn as a Timber Lake Panther and later his daughter Heather as a Webster Bearcat. His only missed games were during the time he lost his leg.

In 2000, he along with friends Pat Roth and Tim Eisenbraun built a car that he raced at many Enduro races in the surrounding area. In 2003, while working a car accident near Waubay, Jeff injured his foot ultimately leading to the loss of his left lower leg.

After he got his prosthetic and was on his feet again, you could find him doing odd jobs such as hauling machinery, hauling manure to fertilize fields and helping at Webster Tire in between card games. His pride and joy was his grandkids Jace, Caleb, Kale, Karsyn and Kori Mae. Also known as Slim, Mr. Boy, Hey Guy, Karsie Boo and Poopsie.

Jeff entered into eternal life on January 27, 2024 at Sanford Hospital Webster surrounded by his family who will forever miss him.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, Step-Father, Mother and Father in law, and one niece.

He will be forever loved and missed by his wife of 51 years Betty Schmidt of Webster, SD; his dog Molly Jo, son Shawn (Lonna) Schmidt Webster, SD; Daughter Heather (Tim) Gaikowski Webster, SD; and his 5 grandkids, his Brother Matthew (Sybile) Schmidt of Lake Wales, Florida; Sister in Laws Joann (LeRoy) Trautman of Selby, SD, Donna (Frank) Seiler of Timber Lake, SD and Sharon (Jeff) Wenker of Marshall, MN; Brother in laws David (Mary Lou) Kraft, Firesteel, SD, Steve (Kathy) Kraft of Mobrigde, SD, Tim (Jamie) Kraft of Trail City, SD, and Larry (Bonnie) Kraft of Thief River Falls, MN; and many nieces and nephews.