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Our condolences to the family of owner and former board member Charlie Schmidt who passed away last weekend. A memorial service will be held May 16, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel by the Sea Church at Isla Blanca Park on S. Padre Island with Chaplin Jim Denham officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Charlie Schmidt to your preferred national or local conservation related charity. Charles F. Schmidt Jr., “Charlie” our beloved son, brother, uncle and friend passed away at the age of 63, on May 8, 2009 in Utopia, Texas. He was born and grew up in the Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, Honeoye Lake and Fairport. During his professional career he resided in California, Missouri, Virginia, Alabama and in 1991, moved to Brownsville, Texas. Charlie excelled in academics at an early age and continued throughout his life. He graduated as his class valedictorian from high school and continued to earn many scholarships and fellowships throughout his college career. In 1967 he graduated cum laude with a Bachelor Science degree in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy New York and in 1973 with a PhD in chemistry from California Institute of Technology, Pasadena California. In 1989 Charlie received a second BS degree (magna cum laude) in computer and information science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His career included teaching Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Missouri; Research Assistant Professor, Department Biochemistry at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Visiting Scientist, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel ; and Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. In 1991, he moved from Birmingham to Brownsville where he held the position as Data Systems Manager at Proficiency Testing Service. Charlie loved the outdoors especially hiking, camping, bicycling and kayaking. If he was not enjoying the outdoors, you would find him listening to music, particularly classical and reading. His Brownsville neighbors fondly remember him making his daily run and chatting with them upon his return. His weekends were spent either on the island enjoying the water and cycling or up in the hill country where he recently completed his retirement dream cabin. In his free time Charlie volunteered with the Brownsville Water Watch. Several of us were lucky to embrace and now cherish “Uncle Charlie’s” visits during the holidays, the Sinclair’s at Thanksgiving and the Schmidts at Christmas. We will miss him and will toast to him as he will be with us in our hearts. He is survived by his mother Joan Schmidt, sister Carole Kirkpatrick, brother Paul and wife Rita, niece Jen Schmidt and nephews Dylan Schmidt, Ryan and Morgan Kirkpatrick. Charlie is preceded in death by his father Charles “Bud” Schmidt Sr. and nephew Duncan Kirkpatrick. _________________________________________________________ Our condolences to Beverly and the family of owner and former board member Bob Buckley who passed away this weekend.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday evening, April 21, 7:30 PM, at Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church, 2120 Ed Carey, Harlingen, Texas, 78550 officiated by Reverend Dr. Charles Palmer, Jr. Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/ValleyStar/Obituaries.asp J. Robert Buckley Born February 5, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to Gladys Horn Buckley and John C. Buckley. |
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and our 2007 Volunteer of the Year is.....
TOM ATKINS
Mr. Repair & Recycle
Lucky for us Tom found South Padre Island 5 years ago on the way to his annual vacation in Mexico. For Tom the Island seemed a wonderful place to be; relaxed, safe, accepting and full of local character, so he decided to make Landfall Tower his home. He's here 9 months of the year now, kiteboarding on our beautiful Laguna Madre, working on projects around the property, reading, and riding that really funny looking bicycle.
Originally from Auburn, NY and a dentist for 20 years, Tom spends those other 3 months at Columbia River Gorge, WA. kiteboarding and kayaking with old friends. But when he's here Tom's working on behind-the-scenes projects that benefit us all. Did you notice the new bicycle rack and pool gate, or that all the electrical Exit signs are working? You may take for granted that the hottub is functioning properly or that a new procedures manual for Landfall Tower is in place. But who knew? Tom says the projects are fun and he likes to keep busy and John says he's happy to have Tom's feedback and assistance. So next time you see Tom - give him a nice POB*! (* Pat On the Back)
Roses for "The Plant Lady"!
Betty Wollman (of the Kurt & Betty duo) first visited South Padre Island 20 years ago as a Winter Texan. Lucky for Landfall Tower, Betty & Kurt moved here full-time 10 years ago and we've kept her busy ever since! She's "the plant lady" out trimming and planting, watering and talking to all our lovely plants, that's why they look so good, you know. Pictured at right (minus her trade-mark cap) Betty has saved this palm from the dreaded white dot disease. With care and attention our palm is healthy and sprouting two new plants. So next time you see Betty, say THANKS to the plant lady".
New maintenance fee schedule:
Efficiency $186
One Bedroom $264
LG One Bedroom $308
Two Bedroom $390
Penthouse $519
December 16, 2006
Pedro Ballesteros of ISLA RESTORATION and John Nash check windows for leakage. All the old caulk has been scraped out, crevices recaulked and new painted goes on. Rust spots have been cleaned, treated and covered through out the building. Check out the new garbage chute doors. New hall walls at the north-east end of the building and new paint in the stairwells.
November 29, 2006
Cleaning and repair work begins this week in preparation for painting the building. The crane and port-a-potty have arrived and colors have been chosen. I will take pictures as the work progresses so you can keep up with the project.
New & Improved at Landfall Tower!.
The laundry room now has two new washing machines and two new dryers. When our lease expired on the old machines we were able to purchase new ones for our owners and guests. With fresh paint, tile repair and new counter tops, John has the laundry room looking great! It sure helps make that chore more enjoyable.
Sad news has been received here at Landfall Tower about our friend and fellow owner Jim Elmen of #92. Our sincerest condolences to
the Elmen family.
Congratulations and a warm welcome to the new owners of Landfall Tower #47. Dr. Rene Salazar and Dr. Maria Teresa Palafox de Salazar of Saltillo, Mexico have joined the Landfall Tower family.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota - James W. Elmen, age 73 of Sioux Falls, died Sunday March 12, 2006, at Sioux Valley Hospital. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday March 18, 2006, at Our Savior´s Lutheran Church, with interment to follow at Hills Of Rest Mausoleum. Public visitation begins at 1:00 p.m. Friday with the family greeting friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home 13th & Main Ave. Memorials may be directed to the James W. Elmen History Scholarship Fund at Augustana College, Our Saviors Lutheran Church Foundation, or charity of your choice.
James W. Elmen died March 12, 2006, with his family by his side, after living courageously with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) for several years. Jim was born March 31, 1932 in Sioux Falls to Lloyd and Sylva (Hellie) Elmen and lived his entire life in Sioux Falls, receiving his education at Longfellow Elementary, Washington High School, and Augustana College. Jim served in the United States Army (1954-1956) as a medic in the first Cavalry in Japan.
Upon return, Jim graduated from Augustana College while working with his dad and brother in the family business, Elmen Rent All, which they started in 1950. Jim and his brother Bob worked hard and took many risks, accumulating many rental stores in multiple states. Jim was a humble man who accomplished much. He chose to provide direction and leadership from behind the scenes and away from the spotlight.
Jim enjoyed many fishing and hunting adventures with his dad, brother, and Uncle Ernest. Later on, Jim took numerous trips with his rental co-workers hunting deer, elk, antelope, moose, and caribou, and soon after with his son, Rich, to Canada, the Black Hills, and their ranch near Buffalo Gap, SD.
On June 26, 1960, he married Eloise Nadine Saugstad, upon graduation from her Nurse's training at Sioux Valley Hospital. They married in her church, Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Beresford, SD. They were blessed with two daughters, Renee and Rebecca, and a son, Richard. He was proud of his girls, Renee earning a Nursing degree from Augustana College, Rebecca earning Nursing and Nutrition Degrees, and Richard earning a degree in Business/Economics. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren "growing up" because family was important to him. They cherish all the many good memories; family trips which included the Black Hills, where they built a log cabin near Custer, and to South Padre Island, TX, where they spent winter months in their condominium. Jim and Eloise most recently toured Norway, visiting three family farms, churches, cemeteries, and met 32 Norwegian relatives. Christmas 2004, the whole family (12) enjoyed a week's Caribbean Cruise.
Jim was an avid bicyclist, riding the Sioux Falls and Mikkelson trails in the Black Hills. Jim continued with Elmen Enterprises, managing businesses and real estate until shortly before his death. Jim was very generous, giving through the Elmen Family Foundation, mainly to Sioux Falls and South Dakota Charities, including Augustana College, Sioux Valley Foundation, and Our Savior´s Lutheran Church. He ushered many years at Our Savior´s Lutheran Church where Jim and his wife Eloise enjoyed over 45 years of friendship with the church´s couples club.
Grateful for having shared Jim´s life are his wife of 45 years Eloise, two daughters, Connie Renee Elmen Hollan (Todd), Rapid City, SD, Rebecca Sue Elmen Lam, (Dr. Dan), Ridgefield, WA, a son, Richard James Elmen, Sioux Falls, his five grandchildren, Heidi Renee and Cody James Hollan, Rapid City, SD, Karl Frances, Ingrid Maren, and Else Sophia Lam, Ridgefield, WA, a brother, Robert Elmen (Rita), a sister, Betty Sass (Wayne), all of Sioux Falls, brother in-law, Dennis L. Saugstad (Ann) Weston, MO, and nieces and nephews.
His parents, aunts, uncles, and two cousins preceded him in death.
His family loved him dearly, remembering him as a gentle soul who lived life in a generous, loving, and energetic manner. Jim worked harder than he played, but still lived life fully.
