Harland George Schemm, age 84, passed away on December 19, 2016 at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO. Harland was born on April 6, 1932 at home in Todd County, SD to George and Marie (Paus) Schemm. He was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Calvary Lutheran Church at Midway (Todd County), South Dakota. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, Valentine. He attended the Schmidt grade school and graduated from Todd County High School in 1950. Harland contracted polio in 1950 at age 18. Two years later, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean Conflict. Because of his limitations, he was assigned to the US Army Signal Corps and was stationed at SHAPE headquarters near Paris, France and achieved the rank of corporal. After being discharged in January 1955, he returned to the family farm in Todd County, SD.

On September 18, 1960, Harland married Jean Rix in Norfolk, NE. To this union, three children were born, Mark, Shelia and Karla. His only son, Mark was the light of his life. He was devastated when Mark tragically died in 1979 at the age of 18 as the result of a semi-straight truck accident at Olsonville, SD. He was proud that both of his daughters chose careers related to agriculture.

Harland spent his entire adult life farming and ranching in Todd County, SD. He was proud of the improvements he made to his land. He served as a Soil Conservation supervisor for 35 years. Farming was his life and he loved every minute. He would reflect at the end of the long day, watching the irrigations in the sunset and called the cornfields his "garden spot". His farm sale was held on his 70th birthday and he retired to Valentine, NE with his wife, Jean.

His first project upon retirement was the restoration of his very first tractor, a 1941 John Deere A. He enjoyed being in parades with his two seated, two steering wheel tractor showing that it could be driven in either direction. Harland enjoyed having a "shop" in town to tinker and build things. He rekindled his interest in square dancing going weekly to White River, SD then starting the Sandhills Twirlers club in Valentine. Harland and Jean attended national square dance conventions and many state functions. One of his proudest accomplishments in retirement was writing his life story to leave as a written legacy to his daughters and three grandchildren. Harland and Jean did extensive traveling following retirement including a trip to Australia to their daughter Shelia's wedding.

Harland was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie, his son Mark, brother Edward and brother-in-law Wally Bazyn. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean, daughters Shelia and husband Leeson Alexander of Sydney, Australia, Karla and husband Todd Whitmore of Greeley, CO. Grandchildren, Tyler and Victoria Whitmore and Ian Alexander. Also surviving is a sister, Dorothy Bazyn and sister-in-law Carole Schemm of Valentine and brother Richard (Sue) Schemm of Scottsbluff, NE and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorials can be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor's choice in his name.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 28 at 10:30 AM at the Zion Lutheran Church in Valentine. Burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation will be on Tuesday at 1:00 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.