Danny Schmeling

Danny Gilmore Schmeling, 74, of Watertown SD died May 9th 2025 in the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls SD. Danny was born in Deadwood, SD to Gilmore and Phyllis (Margeson) Schmeling on December 14, 1950. He spent his youth growing up in Arizona and moved back to South Dakota at age 14, attended school in Waverly, Clear Lake and LATI in Watertown, graduating from their Auto Mechanic program. He then was drafted into the US Army and was stationed in Alaska.

He returned home and married the love of his life, Patricia (Boettcher) on September 4, 1971 in Brookings, SD. They were married for 53 and a half years. Three children were born to this union, Tina Clark (Schmeling) and Timothy (Brenda) Schmeling of Watertown and Troy Schmeling of Sioux Falls; ten grandchildren, Tylor, Justin, and Maddison Clark, Jynae, Wilha, Michal Anne, Moli, Zachery and Reese Schmeling and Brett Tilma;  and four great grandchildren. Danny is survived by his sister, Bonnie (Florida), brother-in-law, Randy Moreno (Arizona), sister-in-law JoAnn Schmeling (Missouri), brother-in-law, Richard (Karyl) Boettcher of Watertown and brother-in-law, Steve (Penny) Boettcher of Watertown.

Dan worked as an auto mechanic, operating his own Heating and Air conditioning business, and greatly enjoyed shingling houses with his son. His greatest joys were his grandchildren and attending their sporting events and playing with his great grandkids. He enjoyed fishing and riding his horses. His best friend was his springerdoodle, Charly.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at Country Road Barn on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 5-8 pm. Burial of his cremains will be on Thursday May 15th at South Dakota State Veteran Cemetery in Sioux Falls, with immediate family present.