Tom Schiltz
November 8, 1934 ~ May 13, 2012
View Tom's Tribute Video
Tom Schiltz, 77, of Miller and formerly of Wessington, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the Golden Living Center in Lake Norden, SD.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wessington with Father Chester Murtha, celebrant. Burial followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wessington. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, 2012 with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service, all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Miller.
Boyd “Tom” Darwin Schiltz was born November 8, 1934 at Highmore, South Dakota to Dewey and Florence (McClure) Schiltz. He attended grade school at the Sand Creek Rural School and graduated from Virgil High School in 1954. He married Donna Fernholz on October 4, 1958 at St. Martins Catholic Church in Huron, South Dakota.
Tom was the inventor of the chain haystack mover, which revolutionized the moving of hay. He remained in the hay moving business until he sold his business in 1972. He then farmed for many years, which lead to the invention of the Schiltz grain bin unloading system and birth of Schiltz Distributing, Inc. Tom and Donna retired and moved to Miller in 2002.
One of Tom’s many joys of life was his family, grandchildren and his inventions. After he retired, he enjoyed meeting with his coffee friends in the morning.
He was active in several farm organizations, the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wessington and St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Miller.
He is survived by his wife, Donna of Miller; four children: Doug (Karma) Schiltz of Wolsey, David Schiltz of Ankeny, IA, Brenda (David) Struck of Wolsey, and Terry (Nancy) Schiltz of Huron; seven grandchildren; five step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Bushong of Renton, WA and brother, Bruce (Marge) Schiltz of Sioux Falls; and many nieces and nephews.
Proceeding him in death were his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene (James) Miedema; and brother-in-law, Joe Bushong.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1000 N. West Ave, Suite 250, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Schiltz family –
So sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in our thoughts; and prayers.
Thinking of you during this time of saying good bye to someone you love so dearly. I can just see Tom at the Pearly Gates telling St. Peter and God a joke. Treasure the happy memories. Sincerely, Jenise Krick
Dave, Kyle & Presley and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I hope the many wonderful memories of your Dad, Grandpa, Husband will ease your sorrow and stay forever in your hearts.
Wade, Michael, Jenna & Mike
Cantrell
Donna & Family, So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We will always remember his friendly smile and joke telling ability. Tom always had a story he wanted to share. Remember the “good” times and know that others care. May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around you and console you during this sad time.
Dear Donna and Kids, My heart goes out to you in this time. I have never met a more extraordinary man. The fun of lunch at the farm, the kindness of your family to me and the wonderful conversations with Tom. He was such a remarkable guy I will always honor and cherish the time I got to spend with you all. I wish I could be there physically but it is not possible. My spirit is with you nonetheless. sincerely, Jeff Widmann
Donna & family, my heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families. I do remember visiting with Tom many times and found him very thoughful. Treasure your many family memories to help you during this time, they will bring you comfort and peace. God Bless Shar
Julie and I would like to extend our condolences to Terry, Nancy and the Schiltz Family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
We were so sorry to read of Tom’s passing, what fond memories of him when I grew up in Wessington, he was so full of life and would help anyone out with whatever needed to be done, what a huge heart.What a hoared diease, I know what your whole family is going thru, it is tough, but they have only been there in body for sometime time now. Be at pease knowiing he loved you all and wanted to tell you, but the words are never there, you know that from the eyes, he is at peace and you all will be very soon too.God Bless you all and take care of each other. Toni
Donna and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Duane
I will miss Uncle Tom but have great memories of him. Especially our cruse and our t-shirts, I’m with Tom. I just wish we would have been able to do it again. I am sorry I couldn’t make it back for the service, but I am glad Gordon was able to, Uncle Tom was his favorite. Donna and family, my heart goes out to you. Take care! Love, Marsha
We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.