Sad news from here in Brookings. Former Republican State Representative & State Senator Orv Smidt passed away yesterday at home in Brookings.
Serving from 1997-2004 in the House and from 2005 – 2008 in the House, Smidt was chair of the Legislative Research Council’s Executive Board during the 2003-2004 term of the legislature. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at GracePoint Wesleyan Church in Brookings. A Visitation will be held the night prior from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.
The full obituary will be available here at the funeral home’s website.
Please keep his family in your prayers in their time of loss.
A very fine Senator. RIP.
And, a very good & honorable man.
To paraphrase a Trump tweet from last night I wish all SD racist maga scum a Merry Christmas
Puzzled pondering how these remarks are posted on a Christmas Day tribute to our friend Senator Orv, the consumate gentleman
ahhhhhhh From the shill of the Heritage Foundation who tried to kill Medicaid expansion in SD.
Medicaid expansion is going to result in cuts to education and public safety you know
Its for the common good. I was brought up that way
poor, sad anonymous at 5:02 PM, Santa Claus didn’t bring him a pony and it’s all Trump’s fault
Did your hatred for others come naturally or do you work on it daily.
I’m a Democrat and despise Trump with all my might but I find your comment uncalled for on a post like this. Do better.
I will try as hard a Frump to curb my tongue
TDS
So calling human beings like Demos, Somalis, etc scum is my problem. Thats how delusional the GOP has become. Besides be spineless
“Spineless” – says the anonymous poster, posting on man’s obituary… You need help.
For Orv
From Brookings soil he rose to serve—
in uniform, in halls of law,
with steady hands and quiet strength
that never bent from what was right.
He flew through danger, governed with care,
believing public trust was sacred work,
that leadership meant listening,
and laws should serve people, not power.
He loved his Lord, his family well,
and left this state more decent,
more faithful, than he found it.
Well done, faithful servant.
Your watch is complete
Orv was one of the most decent men I have ever known and had the privilege to serve with in the legislature. He was a dedicated, sincere and honest legislator. He served his country and his state with honor and dedication. His example should be followed by all who wish to enter public service. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace Orv.
Bill, Could not have said it better. Need more of him. Be like Orv!
Dam shame some people us a time like this to hate
they have to blame someone for their failures