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Robert Craig Schmiedt, 71, passed away on June 21, 2026, under the compassionate care of Avera Hospice and Centerville Care Center. Born January 16, 1955, to Stanford and Sherree Schmiedt in Sisseton, South Dakota, Bob's family moved to Centerville later that year after his father completed his pharmacy internship. He attended high school and played football, basketball and track in Centerville and graduated from South Dakota State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Bob was a man who never met a stranger; he was outgoing, a dedicated listener, and possessed a unique knack for making everyone feel comfortable. On August 4, 1984, he married Monica Higgins in an outdoor ceremony at his sister's home in Elk Point, South Dakota, beginning a loving 42-year journey together.

After college, Bob launched a distinguished career in pharmaceutical sales and government affairs. Starting as a sales representative for USV Laboratories in Fargo, he advanced to roles as a sales trainer, district manager, and lobbyist for major corporations including Syntex, Roche, and UCB. In 1996, he began working as a lobbyist for Roche and later partnered with Maria Strollo, becoming President of the Strollo Group Government Affairs firm in Atlanta. Known at the Georgia Capitol for his honesty and handling of complex issues, Bob was instrumental in designing solutions for government audits and transparency, as well as leading the project to eliminate property tax, a vision that continues to grow globally. His work also secured access to healthcare for citizens, helped expose election fraud, and reduced taxes, all testaments to his character and societal impact. His personal integrity and work ethic were the foundation of his globally impacting successes and earned him honors such as induction into the Presidents Club and District Manager of the Year. While he impacted families throughout the world with his work, Bob remained humble and private about the significant role he played in shaping these legislative policies. He retired in March 2021. As his health began to change due to Alzheimer's and Lewy Body disease, he and Monica moved to Sioux Falls in 2021 to retire closer to family, where they found a renewed sense of home and community at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Bob's life was filled with diverse hobbies, including photography, pheasant hunting, fishing, gold panning, rock hounding, jewelry making, golfing, and cooking. He was deeply gratified by helping children learn about these hobbies, as well as offering guidance on finance, good decision-making, and his vast medical knowledge. He generously shared this wisdom with his nieces, nephews, and friends, turning every activity into a cherished lesson.

Bob is survived by his wife, Monica; his brother, Dean Schmiedt and wife Karleen (Fort Ripley, MN); his sister, Barb Schmiedt Wurtz and husband Kevin (Elk Point, SD); and his beloved nieces and nephews: Allison Akin (Sterne Akin), Chris Wurtz (Jen Shin), Kim Sundling (Michael Sundling), Michael Wurtz (Makayla Wurtz), Kelly Schmiedt, Austin Cook (Amy Cook), Chan Cook (Tara Leach), Chere Stephen (Tom Stephen), and Justin Cook (Elizabeth Dioszegi), along with many precious great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Sherree; his grandparents, Edgar and Marie Schmiedt, Miriam and Jim Campbell; his nephew, Andy Schmiedt; his in-laws, Orlon and Shirley Higgins; and his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Marcia Cook.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Centerville Care Center, Active Generations Men's Group, Inn on Westport memory care, and Avera Hospice for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Active Generations Daybreak Program in Sioux Falls or Feeding South Dakota.

Visitation will be 12-1:30PM Saturday in the Scandia Lutheran Church fellowship hall. Memorial services will follow at 2PM in the church sanctuary with burial at Riverview Cemetery.Click here