Milo "Spud" Schanzenbach was born Jan. 25, 1925, in Selby to August and Ella (Peterhoff) Schanzenbach. He grew up on a farm south of Selby and graduated from Selby High School in 1943. Following graduation, he farmed with his family, until entering the U.S. Army in early 1945. He served with the 10th Army 53rd Port in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged as a Tec 4 on Dec. 7, 1946. Ten days after his discharge from the Army, Spud married Virginia "Ginger" Weiszhaar in Mobridge. After their marriage, they made their home on a farm southwest of Selby. He began farming with his father and continued the farming operation throughout his life. He was a grain farmer with an emphasis on wheat and, in later years, corn and beans. As a member of U.S. Wheat Associates, Spud traveled the world visiting 30 countries, including Russia and China, promoting American wheat. He also spent a short time in the insurance business.
Spud was the past chairman of the U.S. Wheat Associates and served on the board for 11 years. He spent 12 years on the S.D. Wheat Commission, which included being the chairman. He was the president of the S.D. Wheat Producers, vice-president of the S.D. Jaycees, charter member of the Selby Jaycees and May Acres Golf Club. He was also on the Selby School Board and president when the elementary addition was built and had multiple positions at the UCC Church. He was a member of the Selby Area Men's Chorus and an active member of the "Weekend Loafers" for many years. He was the author of the "Dakota Dust" article that was published periodically in the Selby Record. He was a member of the Selby American Legion for over 65 years.
Spud was a very outgoing man. He loved attending his children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's events. He also enjoyed reading, following politics, hunting and watching the Twins and Vikings on TV.
Spud is survived by his wife, Virginia "Ginger," of Selby; children: Michael (Sandy) of Fargo, N.D., Patti (Roger) Baumann of Selby, James (Tami) of Selby and Scott (Dawn) of Selby; grandchildren: Brandee (Craig) Reichard of Castle Rock, Colo., Cory (Cass) Schanzenbach of Fargo, N.D., Justin (Heather) Baumann of Selby, Kristin (Joe) Vyhnalek of North Platte, Neb., Kyle (Gail) Baumann of Mobridge, Kimberly (Nick) Pearson of Bismarck, N.D., Christopher Schanzenbach of Selby, Brittny Schanzenbach of Aberdeen, Olivia and Ava Schanzenbach of Selby, and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two great-grandchildren; two brothers: Robert (Norma) and Clifford (Agnes); and two nephews.