Donald Robert Schmidt Sr., born July 18, 1936 in Kingsbury County, SD, passed away at age 80 in Atwater, CA. on November 30, 2016.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Mary Schmidt, his beloved wife of 59 years, Janet Wilson Schmidt and his beautiful daughter Terri Lynn Gregory as well as Don and Jan's adorable side kick (dog) Katie.  Also preceding him are his sisters, Donna, Mary, Judy & Pamela and brothers, Dick, Jim & Kenny.

Don is survived by his son, Donald R Schmidt Jr. (Donnie), Donnie's wife Sherri Schmidt, son in law, Bobby K. Gregory (Terri's husband) as well as his granddaughters, Nanci Frank, Nikki Greenhill, Ashtyn Schmidt and Heather Santo, his grandsons Zacharie Schmidt and Colby Dirickson.  Also survived by his great grandchildren, Case Frank, Caden Frank, Kaylee Greenhill, Cash Beene, Andrew Divine, Annibelle Richesin & Jasper Richesin, his brother's Bernie, John and Michael. 

Don graduated Boys Town High School in Nebraska in June of 1955.  He immediately joined the United States Air Force after graduation, serving 20 years and retiring as a Master Sgt.  Don and Jan met on a blind date, introduced by Jan's best friend Donna.  They were married August 17th, 1957 in Wichita, Kansas where their first born Terri was born October 31st, 1959.  The service sent them to many adventurous locations together, one of which was Stockholm, Sweden where their son Donnie was born, June 26, 1969.  They lost their beautiful daughter Terri after a battle with cancer on July 14, 2009.  They enjoyed telling their love story and claimed it was just like "The Notebook".  Don loved his family dearly and got a kick off playing practical jokes on them.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, fishing and sports.  His favorite football team was the 49ers and favorite basketball team was The Golden State Warriors. 

His grandchildren want everyone to know how special he was.  He was "Grampa Don" to them as well as every friend of theirs he met.  Don always had a smile and a heart of gold.  He will be missed dearly.

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Merced County Hospice.  Celebration of life was Friday, December 9th at 6pm.