Longtime Sioux Falls Resident Charles Schmidt Passes Away at 81

Schmidt was a lifelong member of the Sioux Falls community and active in his local Catholic church.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Charles Schmidt, an 81-year-old resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Ava's House in Sioux Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Schmidt on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with Fr. Jerry Ranek officiating. Schmidt was then laid to rest at Berg Cemetery near Sioux Falls.

Why it matters

The passing of Charles Schmidt, a longtime pillar of the Sioux Falls community, marks the end of an era for the city. Schmidt was known for his active involvement in his local Catholic church and his deep roots in the Sioux Falls area, having lived there for over eight decades.

The details

According to the report, Charles Schmidt was 81 years old at the time of his passing. He died at Ava's House, a hospice facility in Sioux Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial was held for Schmidt on February 10, 2026 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, with Fr. Jerry Ranek presiding. Schmidt was then laid to rest at Berg Cemetery, located near Sioux Falls.

  • Charles Schmidt passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The Mass of Christian Burial for Schmidt was held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Charles Schmidt

An 81-year-old longtime resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota who was active in his local Catholic church community.

Fr. Jerry Ranek

The priest who officiated the Mass of Christian Burial for Charles Schmidt at St. Therese Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.

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The takeaway

The passing of Charles Schmidt, a pillar of the Sioux Falls community for over 80 years, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community involvement and the lasting impact that long-time residents can have on a city.