Rodney Schempp

Rodney Schempp, 94, of Alcester, SD, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD.

Rodney Duane Schempp was born February 22, 1932, to parents John and Doris (Hall) Schempp in rural Canton, South Dakota. He was joined by sister Marilyn in 1933 and brother Marvin in 1939. At an early age, Rodney and his family moved to the farm they purchased 4 ½ miles north of Spink, SD. Rodney attended North Spink Country School through 8th grade, then attended Alcester High School, graduating in 1950.

Rodney served honorably with the Air Guard in Sioux Falls prior to enlisting with the United States Air Force during the Korean War, during which he was stationed in Newfoundland. Upon returning, he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Nelson, on June 6, 1952. They built a home on the family farm and raised their 5 children there. Rodney loved farm life: growing corn, oats, soybeans, and hay, while also raising cattle and hogs. He was well known for his high-quality hay bales which he sold at hay auctions in the region. Rodney and Lois resided on the farm until retiring in 2005 and moving into Alcester.

Rodney willingly served his community on various boards throughout the years including North Spink and Alcester School Boards, Emmet Township Board (where he ran the maintainer for many years) and in many capacities at Big Springs Baptist Church.

Rodney was a proud supporter of all his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, whether it be music, theater or sports. He and Lois enjoyed wonderful times with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many of the grandkids learned to drive with Grandpa and his pickup in the alfalfa field.

Above all, Rodney loved his Lord and Savior. His desire was for his family to also come to salvation through Jesus and to serve Him. He and Lois enjoyed listening to gospel quartet music and traveling throughout the United States together during their later years in life. He sorely missed Lois during the last two years and was looking forward to joining her in heaven.

Rodney is survived by his children: Cindy Sailor, Rick (Joni) Schempp, Perry (Linda) Schempp, Wendy Schempp, and Jaimey (Jenelle) Schempp; 10 grandchildren: Ryan (Andrea) Sailor, Ross (Johanna) Sailor, Rebekah (Seth) Dekkenga, Lindsey (Mitch) Eisma, Lexy Sorlie, Rachel (Bill) Ballard, Ben (Caitlin) Schempp, Kari Schempp, Mallory (Austin) Rykhus and Matthew (Macey) Schempp. Also surviving are 25 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson along with sisters-in-law Karen Nelson and Hermie Schempp.

Preceding Rodney in death were his parents, brother Marv, sister Marilyn, and 2 sons-in-law, Cal Olson and Tom Sailor.

Visitation with the family present will be from 4:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, March 1st at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 2nd at Big Springs Baptist Church in rural Alcester. A private internment will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester, SD.