FORDYCE — Marlene Schmidt, 77, Fordyce, died April 21, 2024, at the Arbor Care Center, Hartington.

Visitation and a wake service were April 28 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Fordyce.

Memorial Mass was April 29 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, with Fr. Jim Keiter officiating.

Burial of Marlene’s cremated remains followed at St. John Cemetery, Fordyce.

Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren, Kip Dowling, Austin Dowling, Wyatt Dowling, Valarie Dowling, Eric Derickson (Sami), Michaela Derickson, Delayne Sudbeck, Dayton Sudbeck, Dolcie Sudbeck, Ryley (Logan) Simmons, Sydnee Eickhoff and Ella Eickhoff.

Marlene was born Jan. 24, 1947, in Fordyce, to Alphonse and Albina Schrempp. She grew up on a farm near Fordyce and attended school in Fordyce. Marlene married Marvin “Butch” Schmidt Aug. 2, 1969. After marriage, they lived in Fordyce to raise their family.

She was a member of St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church and ladies’ guild. She was also a member of the Crofton Legion and Yankton VFW Auxiliary.

Marlene worked at MTron in Yankton for many years, was a janitor for the Sacred Heart School, Yankton, then finished her career at Baldwin Filters, Yankton. Marlene loved to play cards, bingo and to have a good time. She was also on a bowling league in her younger years. Butch and Marlene spent many years at their cabin along the river near Newcastle fishing and having fish fries with friends. She also enjoyed riding around the town on the golf cart with her husband and pugs. She adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who brought many smiles to her face.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 54 years, Butch; and her children, Amy Schmidt, Fordyce; Tina Derickson (Matt Sudbeck), Hartington; and Crystal (Brandon) Eickhoff, Hartington; and her 12 grandchildren, Kip Dowling, Austin Dowling, Wyatt Dowling, Valarie Dowling, Eric Derickson (Sami), Michaela Derickson, Delayne Sudbeck, Dayton Sudbeck, Dolcie Sudbeck, Ryley (Logan) Simmons, Sydnee Eickhoff, and Ella Eickhoff and six great-grandchildren, Loretta, Marshall, Weston and Remi Derickson; Koastin Simmons and Lillian Dowling; three brothers, Lonnie (Linda) Schrempp, Jeff (Tammy) Schrempp and Tim Schrempp, all of Yankton, S.D.; brothers-in-law, Darrold (Jean) Schmidt, South Sioux City, and Arlynn (Dorothy) Schmidt, Elk Point, S.D.; and sister-inlaw, Marilyn Hejna, Utica, S.D.

Marlene is proceeded in death by her parents; sister, Betty and Buddy Pietz; brother, Leon Schrempp; sister-in-law, Lori Schrempp; and brothers-in-law, Rod Schmidt and Loyd Hejna; along with other family members including aunts and uncles on both sides of the family.