Obituaries : Harold James Schmelzer

Harold J. Schmelzer

VINTON – Harold James Schmelzer, 67, of Mission, South Dakota, passed away April 1, 2013.

Graveside committal services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton with Rev. Connie Wacht officiating.

Harold was born in Vinton, Iowa, on September 15, 1945. He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton in 1963. In 1966, he graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls with a degree in Education. In 1970, he completed his Master’s degree in Science Teaching at the University of Wisconsin, Superior.

Harold was a teacher of mathematics and science, most recently in the Foundational Studies program at Sinte Gleska University on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. Harold’s 45-year teaching career took him to St. Ansgar, Traer, Olin and Malvern, Iowa, and finally to Todd County, S.D., where he taught at Todd County High School before finishing his career at Sinte Gleska University, where he was highly regarded by his students and fellow staff.

Harold was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Primrose Smith; and his stepfather, Burl Smith.

He is survived by his children, Mark Schmelzer of Charleston, S.C. and Amy Schmelzer of Des Moines; his brothers: Lynn (Peggy) Schmelzer of Kewanee, IL, and Randy (Cheryl) Smith of Center Point; two grandchildren, John and Laura Schmelzer; and several nieces and nephews.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Harold and his family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.