Don Schenkel

Don Schenkel, 69 of Canistota passed away, Tuesday August 27, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family in his home in Canistota after a long journey with various health issues. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 31st at Zion Lutheran Church in Canistota, SD. Visitation will begin at 5 PM to 7PM on Friday, August 30, 2024, at Kinzley Funeral Home in Salem.

Donald LeRoy Schenkel Jr. was born November 30, 1954, to Marilyn (Mark) and Donald Schenkel Sr. in Yankton, SD. Donnie grew up in Viborg, SD with his mother and one sister, Robin. His father passed away at a young age. Donnie attended school in Viborg and graduated from Viborg High School in 1973. Donnie enjoyed playing football and basketball in high school and held numerous school records.

Don married Patty Jensen in 1973. From this marriage he had two sons, Christopher and Jason. They later divorced.

Don enlisted in the United States Airforce in 1973. During his time in the service, he spent time in both Taiwan and Alaska as an aircraft mechanic. He was proud of his service to his country and was honorably discharged from the United States Airforce in 1979.

Don married his wife Cynthia (Diede) in June 1987. As a result of this union, Don received two bonus children, Wendy and Elizabeth. They moved to Canistota, SD and were blessed with two children, Anthony (AJ), and Ashley which completed the Schenkel family.

After returning from his service in the Airforce he worked at several salvage yards. The longest being at Graham salvage. In 1989 he opened Diede’s Used Cars in Canistota, SD with his father-in-law, who later retired. Don worked there with his son, AJ, until the time of his death.

Don was an avid fan of most sports, especially football, basketball, and baseball. He rarely missed events of his children, and you were always sure to hear him offering “pointers” from the stands. He coached teener baseball in the mid 90’s in Canistota for several years. Those boys became like sons to him, and he enjoyed mentoring them.

Don’s life wasn’t always easy, having lost his father at a young age. He took it upon himself to help provide for his family. He was a hard worker and deep down had a heart of gold. Don was a generous businessman who helped whenever he could and provided opportunities for many people and families who otherwise would not have opportunity. He had a giving soul and never asked for anything in return.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald Schenkel Sr. and mother Marilyn (Mark) Rhymers. His father and mother-in-law, Delmer & Ferne Diede, his son Christopher Schenkel and granddaughter Courtney.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia, his children AJ (Erica) Schenkel of Canistota, SD, Ashley (Daniel Mount) Puetz of Canistota, SD, Jason (Dominique) Schenkel of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, Wendy (Keith) Phillips of Sioux Falls, SD, Liz (Drew) Heinzmann of Canistota, SD; Grandchildren, Michael, Alex, Jacob, Logan, Landon, Ember, Jaxon, Miles, Lilli, Kamdyn, Owen, and Wrenley; and 9 Great-Grandchildren.