Paula Schmidt

Paula Schmidt, age 62, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Memorial services are 11:00 AM, on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Steve Weispfennig officiating.  Burial will be in the Sts. Philip & James Cemetery in St. James, Nebraska at a later date.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Wednesday, September 27 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton and also one hour prior to the funeral on Thursday.

Paula was born June 20, 1961 in Yankton, South Dakota to Ralph and Theresa (Burbach) Pinkelman.  She grew up on a farm near St. James, NE and attended school in St. Helena and Bow Valley, NE.  Paula graduated from Cedar Catholic High School in Hartington, NE in 1980.  She married Theodore Schmidt in April of 1983 and four children were born: Stephanie, Tracy, Justin and Samantha.  They lived in Menominee, NE and Paula worked at various jobs in Yankton and Vermillion.  She then worked at Casey’s General Store in Hartington, Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in housekeeping, and as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Avera Yankton Care Center.  In the early 2000s, Paula moved to Gayville, SD and loved raising calves and pigs on their acreage.  She received her Associates Degree in Medical Assisting from National American University in Sioux Falls.  She worked at Wakonda Heritage Manor until a car accidental forced her to retire from the medical field.  Paula then enjoyed her time working at Pump N’ Stuff in Yankton where she loved visiting with her customers.  She also loved being outdoors, reading, and getting together with her friends.  Above all, Paula cherished her family and treasured the time she was able to spend with them.

Paula is survived by four children: Stephanie (Andrew) In’t Veld of Yankton, Tracy (Dan) Kirsch of Harrisburg, SD, Justin Schmidt (Rachael Smith) of Yankton, and Samantha Schmidt of Yankton; five grandchildren: Frankie, Allie, Elizabeth, Ava Jo, Bentley and one on the way; brother, Darrell Pinkelman of St. James, NE; two sisters, Jean (Darrold) Schmidt of South Sioux City, NE and Maryls Pavlik of Wynot, NE; and many nieces and nephews.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents.