Friday, May 1, 2020

My Maternal Grandparents Herb and Augusta Thies Schmidt

Herb and Gusty Schmidt went through a difficult time for a farm family in South Dakota. Besides raising four girls and no boys, the "Dirty 30s" were tough for everybody and Herb's family survived because he made the decision to buy a truck and make a living driving. It paid off as growing up in the 50s I remember Grandpa had a new Oldsmobile every 3 years like clockwork. He helped my Dad and Mom buy Ralph's Resort and Dad said he was the most honest man he'd ever met. I maintain that Herb and Gusty's biggest contribution was what they gave us genetically. The four daughters, Leona, Twins Caroline and Adeline, and Mildred, produced 14 grandchildren, 13 boys and a girl. In this group, there's an unusually high number of musicians culminating in Gordon Hallberg, for many years the bass trombone player for the Boston Symphony and athletes led by Ry Schmelz, a South Dakota state record holder in the shot put. Even today, my son Reed, both a musician and athlete is going to school on the proceeds of land that Grandpa Herb bought. The picture above is from their 50th wedding anniversary.

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