James Edward “Bud” Schmidt Sr., formerly of Mount Vernon, Wash., died peacefully Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at his home in Post Falls. He was 90 years old. He was born Nov. 2, 1921, in Bonesteel, S.D., to Margaret Klinger and Peter Schmidt.

He entered the National Guard at the age of 17 by “stretching” his birth date. When World War II began, the 109th Engineer Regiment (C) of the South Dakota National Guard was inducted into the Army. They became a combat battalion of the 34th Red Bull Division where he served throughout North Africa, Italy and France. They were the most decorated guard unit in South Dakota and saw the most in-service battle days (a record 611) of any group during World War II and were credited with capturing more than 40,000 prisoners. Dad was fond of saying that they served more front-line duty than General Patton. Although he rarely mentioned it, he earned 23 Medals in action, including the Bronze Star, our country’s third highest military honor. Many family members were able to travel to South Dakota with dad to attend his military reunions and learn more about the service and sacrifice of these men.

He was employed for many years in the foundry at Skagit Steel in Sedro Woolley, where he was proud to have been the Shop Steward. He was a member of AFL-CIO. After his retirement he and his wife moved to Oregon. He was married to Helen Stenseth for 43 years. She preceded him in death on June 7, 1993. He then lived in a retirement community in Earp, Calif., near his sister Viola and her husband Jack. His excellent handyman skills were much appreciated by the female retirees and he received several pies as payment.

Later he moved to Idaho and lived independently for many years. When his health began to fail he lived with his daughter, Sharon (Norm), for several years and later with daughters Susan and Holly. He enjoyed fishing, camping and family reunions where he would take on all comers for a good game of cribbage.

He is survived by sons and daughters, Bruce (Ingrid) Osborne, Harold (Carol) Stenseth, Brian (Linda) Osborne, Sharon (Norm) Koser, Cheryl (Glen) Hunter, Susan LaQue, Jim (Ada) Schmidt, Mark Schmidt, Holly Cargile; and 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Viola Clark and special friend Ethelyn Taylor.

Being a large family we have many memories of time with our dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He always felt the importance of family gatherings. We will always smile when we remember our “cookie monster” and his sweet tooth. We shall miss our gallant Grandpa Bud and he will forever be our beloved Veteran.

Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, at Tahoma National Cemetery near Covington, Wash. Please visit Bud’s memorial and sign his online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.