Charles Erich Schneidewind, 55, Rapid City, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006, at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center.

Visitation was Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel and will resume on Wednesday one hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2006, at 10 a.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with Chaplain Paul Lupkes officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Charles was born Oct. 13, 1950, in Sioux Falls, to Ralph Adam and Gerda Josephine (Hirschmann) Schneidewind. He attended grade school at Ree Heights, and graduated from high school in Highmore, in 1968.

He was awarded a basketball scholarship and attended Huron College.

Charles worked for the Bureau of Reclamation during his college years. When they began drafting, Charles enlisted, and began Navy Seal training. He was injured during a training activity and was discharged due to his injury. He lived with his mother before living at Fort Meade.

Charles loved to play pool and won two tournaments. He also liked to watch basketball. Charles also enjoyed walking and had friends all over town.

Survivors include his mother,one brother and his wife and their 3 children,one sister and her husband and their 2 children, and 5 great-nieces and nephews.

His father preceded him in death.

A memorial has been established for cancer research.