Orv Smidt

Orv Smidt, age 82, of Brookings, SD, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at his residence in Brookings. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings. A Visitation will be held the night prior from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

Orville B. Smidt was born on June 7, 1943, in Brookings, the son of Dick and Ella (Franken) Smidt. Orv received his education in Brookings and was a graduate of Brookings High School in 1961 and South Dakota State University in 1966. He attended the University of Northern Colorado for his Master of Arts degree. He enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard at age 17 and was designated a Distinguished Military Graduate and commissioned a 2LT from SDSU in 1966.

Orv was a Combat Helicopter Pilot during the Vietnam War, served 3 tours of duty in Germany and 1 year at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto, Canada. He was a graduate of the Army War College in Carlisle, PA and the Air War College Seminar Program. He was also the Professor of Military Science at South Dakota State University. Orv retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1993 and returned to Brookings.

Orv was very active in the Brookings Community following his Army retirement. He founded the Brookings County Youth Mentoring Program, served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Brookings, Option 1, Women's Health Center, Brookings Airport Board, and the GracePoint Church Local Board of Administration.

Orv was active in the Brookings County Republican Party serving a tour as Chairman and was elected 4-times to the South Dakota House of Representatives and twice to the State Senate. Orv was elected Assistant Majority Leader in the House, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Legislative Research Council and served 6 years on the Joint Appropriations Committee. Orv was also Chairman of the National Council of State Legislatures Communication, Technology and Interstate Commerce Committee.

Orv was an active member of GracePoint Church in Brookings and Life-time member of the DAV, VFW, Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, Military Officers of America and the American Legion.

Orv was a long-time fan of Jackrabbit Athletics. He had season tickets for many years with his brother Dor for Football and Basketball with Women's Basketball being his favorite. The highlight was 2 trips to Texas to watch the Jacks win the National Football Championships. He also enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with his brothers and family and his dear Army friend Steve Gibson.

Orv was a man of great faith and integrity. He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his family well. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, the former Charlotte Lee of Brookings, a son Kelly, daughter Lori and husband Brad Larson. Grandsons Graham Smidt and Matthew Larson (wife Reagan); granddaughters Lauren Smidt, Farren Smidt and Elizabeth Larson (Tyler Johnson); brothers Dor Smidt (wife Linda), Lyle Smidt (wife Gloria); brother-in-law Neil Lee and many nieces, nephews and extended relatives.

Orv was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Ella Smidt, brother Duane Smidt, nephew Kevin Smidt, in-laws Royce and Mabel Lee, sister-in-law Nancy Lee.