Allen Dean Schmidt, 65, of Rapid City, SD, died Saturday, July1, 2006, at Fort Meade VA Center in Sturgis, SD. Allen was born on October 4, 1940 to Daniel and Hazel Schmidt in Huron, SD. Allen grew up on a farm southwest of Alpena, SD and attended the first 8 grades at a rural school in Jerauld County. He graduated from Lane High School in 1959.He worked on the missile sites in the Rapid City area after graduation. He also worked road construction with Wheelburg Bros. Construction and was foreman for Jerauld County Highway Dept. for 8 years.Allen joined the SDARNG in October, 1963, went to Basic Training in Fort Leonard, SD, was selected Soldier of the Year for the State of South Dakota in 1977. Transferred from A Co. 153rd Eng. to 109th Eng. Grp. At Rapid City. He became a full time employee of the Guard at the Organizational Maintenance Shop at Camp Rapid in 1980-1984. In 1985 he went to the Combine Support Maintenance Shop as a mechanic as a Civil Service Technician. He worked his way up to be HVY. MOB Equipment Mechanic Supervisor, at the time of retirement in 2000. He was assigned to HQ STARC SDARNG as a Maintenance NCO and attained the rank of MSGE8. He performed maintenance inspections of all Units throughout the State. He attended numerous military schools throughout his career. He was on the state marksmanship program for several years. Retired with 37 years of Military Service and 19 years of Technician Civil Service. He was united in marriage to Donna Marie Solomon at Sioux City, IA, on October 5, 1968. Lived in Wessington Springs, SD until 1977 and moved to Rapid City. He was a member of the American Legion Post 14 at Wessington Springs. Was a member of the Black Hills Shootists Assn. Allen was a life member of the SDNG Enlisted Association. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, shooting sports, Rodeo’s and playing old time cowboy. Allen is survived by his wife Donna of 37 years, three sisters, Carol Maunders, Joyce Webb, Dianne (Kirby)Manning, one brother, Richard (and wife Marie) Schmidt, Mother, Hazel Schmidt, Mother-in-law, Maurine Solomon, and many nieces and nephews. Allen was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Schmidt, a brother, Douglas Schmidt, 2 nephews, Daniel Alfred Schmidt and John F. Maunders.