Rev. Donald Armin Schmidt was an ELCA Lutheran pastor. He peacefully passed away at age 97 in his home, surrounded by his family, on January 23, 2025. Don was born in Ixonia, Wisconsin on May 29, 1927 to Bernard & Anna Wilhemina [née Frederick] Schmidt.

He married Donna Jeanne Brallier on June 1, 1951 and was blessed to have a loving union that lasted 72 years. Don received his undergraduate degree from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. He then graduated in 1952 from the Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. He dedicated his life to his Heavenly Father and his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Don never met a stranger. He was a good man and a faithful servant to the Lord. He served parishes in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado and New Mexico. Don was an avid reader of a wide variety of literature. He was also an accomplished bowler and loved polka music.

Don's passing was preceded by his parents, two sisters, Marion Christianson and Velda Wagner, and a brother John in infancy. Living members of his family include his brother Armand and his wife Jan, his sister Laura Seifert, his wife Donna, their two children Steve Schmidt & Sherri Dawson, five grandchildren Ashley Dreisbach (John), Zeb McCullough (Christin), Jeremiah Dawson (Danielle), Jacob Dawson & Jamie Rae Dawson, and eight great-grandchildren Dawson & Brooklynn Dreisbach, Bryar, Scarlett & Vivienne McCullough, Hunter & Lane Minor & Jayden Dawson.

His memorial service will be held at 10 AM on January 30, 2025 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2501 N. Swan St, Silver City, NM.

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.