Sidney Eugene Schad was a man of the Earth. Nothing pleased him more than farming, from its planting stage to harvesting the swaying grain and heavy sunflower heads.
Sidney was born March 31, 1948, in Pierre, to Donald A. and Helen S. (Anderson) Schad. He grew up in the Lantry/Eagle Butte areas with his four brothers and sister. He attended Cheyenne/Eagle Butte High School, graduating in 1966. Next, he ventured to Black Hills State College and graduated in 1970, with a degree in Business Administration and Psychology. Sidney completed educational courses at Springfield, S.D. When his father passed in 1971, he began to farm his grandfather's land. He served in the National Guard for six years. He worked as the food service manager at Yankton College for two years.
On Aug. 7, 1971, Sidney married his high school sweetheart, Verna Rose in Eagle Butte. Two sons were born to the couple, Jeremy (1974) and Ryan (1978).
His grandchildren, Sydney and twins, Mya and Matthew, were very important to him, and, since they lived near, a great relationship was forged with their grandfather.
Relishing matching wits with his friends, Sid would meet with them for morning coffee. Often with a twinkle in his blue eyes, he would offer opposing views to generate comments - just maybe, an argument would ensue!
Even after being diagnosed with gliosarcoma, a rare brain cancer, in 2010, he continued to farm with his son, Jeremy. He was courageous in his battle with cancer for two years. He died at home, surrounded by his family, on Oct. 27, 2012.
Sidney is survived by his wife, Verna; sons: Jeremy (Rikki) of Lantry and Ryan of Portland, Ore.; three grandchildren: Sydney, Matthew, and Mya of Lantry; his mother, Helen Schad, of Eagle Butte; brothers: Melvin (Georgia) Schad of Sheridan, Mich., Donald (Jill) Schad of Lead, Roderick (Belva) Schad of Eagle Butte and Neale (Kathy) of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Coral (Boyd) Joens of Henry; his uncle Charles (Nyla) Schad, of Spearfish; his father-in-law, Robert Rose of Eagle Butte; sisters-in-law: Nina (Jim) Craig of Hillsboro, Texas, Dawn (Mike) Chavanu of Kearney, Neb., Danialle Rose of Pierre; and brother-in-law, Joe (Bev) Rose of Eagle Butte; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Erin Elizabeth (1973); father, Donald;
mother-in-law, Jean Rose; maternal and paternal grandparents; and two nephews.
A memorial has been established.
Kesling Funeral Home, Mobridge, is in charge of arrangements.
Services will be conducted by Pastor Pauline Webb, Eagle Butte, and Father Claude Vershure, Custer, at the United Church of Christ in Eagle Butte with a Prayer service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 1, with viewing one hour before the service. Funeral will be held at the church on Friday, Nov. 2, at 4 p.m. with viewing two hours before the service.
Inurnment will take place at a later date.