Al Schoenfelder, age 83 of De Smet, died on November 19, 2009 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. His memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church in De Smet with a burial at St. Thomas Catholic cemetery. There will be no visitation. Visit www.welterfuneralhome.com.

Alfred William Schoenfelder was born to Charles and Catherine (Herrman) Schoenfelder on March 9, 1926, in Plankinton, SD. He attended Iroquois schools.

Alfred married Joyce Yost on December 15, 1969.

Alfred entered in the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was honorably discharged on October 1, 1946. After his discharge from the U. S. Navy, Al worked in the Oil Fields in Wyoming and Idaho, eventually returning to the Iroquois area to farm with his brothers. Al enjoyed farming until the last few years when his health finally forced him to retire.

Al was a Kingsbury County Commissioner from 1968 to 1980. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Al was a member of the Knights of Columbus Bill Logan Council #3527 as a 3rd Degree Knight, and the Benseley-Rounds VFW Post #280 of Iroquois.

Al is survived by his wife Joyce; son, Ryan (Traci) Schoenfelder of De Smet; step sons, Douglas (Armelita) Stoddard of Yuba City, CA, John (Lucy) Stoddard of Ft. Loramie, OH, Richard Stoddard of De Smet, Joe (Patti) Stoddard of Sioux Falls; step daughter, Mary Stoddard of Reseda, CA; step daughter-in-law, Rhonda Stoddard of Brandon; 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Wilmer Schoenfelder of Iroquois; and many nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by; his parents; 2 step sons, Craig and Patrick Stoddard; brothers, Herbert, Lester, and infant brother John; sisters, Julia, Regina, and Margaret.