SCHMIDT RODNEY A

WO1 Rodney "Rod" A. Schmidt was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 03/10/2024 at the age of 74.2
Garden Grove, IA
Flight Class 69-21
Date of Birth 12/17/1949
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 271 ASHC in 69-70
Call sign in Vietnam BARTENDER 7
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More detail on this person: A graveside inurnment for Rodney A. Schmidt, 74, of Burt, will be held Friday, September 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM, at Fenton Township Cemetery in rural Lone Rock. Military Honors will be conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and the Kerr-Hammerstrom Post # 577 of Lone Rock. Rodney A. Schmidt died Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Good Samaritan Society, Algona. Rodney Arthur Schmidt, the son of Robert Schmidt Jr. and Verona (Luedtke) Schmidt, was born December 17, 1949, in the Sabin home ½ mile north of Burt. Rod had three brothers, Edward, Darrel, and David. Rod went to Sentral of Fenton School until he enrolled in Concordia Academy in St. Paul, MN to get his final high school diploma. His next venture took him to Pullman, WA, where he got a degree in biology. Next Rod went to Bismarck, ND, where he worked at counting ducks and eggs, or any other wildlife count. Next, he went to Yellowstone National Park to be a Ranger. In October of 1968, Rod took his basic training and flew helicopter in Vietnam flying 2000 plus missions. He came home with many Vietnam Service Medals including 4 bronze stars, Air Medal Numeral 20, Bronze Star Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, and the Navy Marine Corps Medal. Rod then moved to the Burt area to raise elk and buffalo. He moved to Garden Grove, IA, still raising elk and buffalo. Rod was a guide for hunters and moved to Valentine, NE. Rod's last stop was to move back to the Burt-Titonka area where he purchased some land to promote wildlife. He is graciously donating the property to Kossuth County Conservation. His two great friends, Mary Ree and David Rike did wonders in helping Rod out. He is survived by two brothers, Darrel and Mary Schmidt of Algona, and David and Marla Schmidt of Lone Rock; many nieces and nephews; along with his special friend, Mary Ree of Burt, and his friend David Rike of Algona. He was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest brother, Edward R. Schmidt; and his niece, Sara Schmidt.

Burial information: Fenton Township Cemetery

This information was last updated 04/04/2025

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025