Building a New Chapter: Steve Schoepf’s Life and Legacy in Mitchell”

Interview by Doreen Nelson
Written by Johanna Allen
 
Steve Schoepf’s life has been anything but ordinary. Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Montrose, South Dakota, Steve’s story is one of dedication to his family, his country, his community, and his craft. After graduating from Montrose and building a successful life in Centerville, Steve and his wife Penny eventually found themselves drawn to Mitchell, South Dakota, a move that turned into the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Steve and Penny met many years ago at a dance in Flandreau, South Dakota. Over time, their family grew to include their son Justin, and later, their beloved Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Tess. Today, Tess is a constant companion, especially on leisurely rides around Lake Mitchell in Steve’s Canam, a hobby he picked up after moving to the area.

Their relocation to Mitchell was inspired by their son Justin, who has spent the past ten years working at Trail King in Mitchell as a senior design engineer. Hearing about Mitchell’s warmth and charm through Justin’s experience, Steve and Penny were intrigued. When they finally visited, they were struck by how friendly and helpful the people were. It didn’t take long for them to realize that Mitchell would be their new home.

Reflecting on the transition, Steve shares, “After living in Centerville, SD for 48 years, even though we miss the people there, this is our new chapter in our life, and we are pleased we made the move.”
Steve’s professional background is a combination of service, entrepreneurship, and community-building. He proudly served six years in the military and played a heroic role during the 1972 Rapid City flood, participating in search and rescue operations. His hands-on experience and passion for helping others carried over into his civilian life.

For 30 years, Steve has worked as a general contractor, and for 18 years, he owned and operated a NAPA parts store. One of his most treasured accomplishments is his involvement with the Centerville Development Corporation, where he played a leading role in revitalizing the community. Steve restored a 100-year-old building that now serves as a local museum.

Now in Mitchell, Steve continues to make his mark. He had the unique opportunity to help install the famed corn murals at the Corn Palace, a project that connected his craftsmanship to a South Dakota cultural icon. He says he learned a lot through that experience and considers it a notable highlight of his career.

When asked what he enjoys most about Mitchell, Steve’s list is full: the friendly people, the wide variety of restaurants and shopping options, and the scenic beauty of Lake Mitchell. It’s also become the perfect place for new hobbies, like riding his Canam around the lake with Tess. Whether woodworking in the garage, doing yard work, following sports, or fishing the Missouri River, Steve finds joy in the daily rhythms of life here.

He has also found surprising connections in Mitchell. One memorable experience involved becoming close friends with a retired teacher who had worked with his niece’s husband, a unique story that speaks to the close-knit nature of the community.

Steve’s fondness for Mitchell is rooted in both past and present. His three favorite local spots are the Corn Palace, Lake Mitchell, and the rodeo grounds. But Mitchell also holds personal athletic memories. He played high school basketball at the Corn Palace when Montrose hosted its district tournament there, continuing a family legacy, as his father also played there for Farmer, SD. He also competed in the amateur baseball tournament at Cadwell Park and was amazed by the facility’s scale.

Local events continue to enrich his experience. He frequently attends basketball games and other Corn Palace activities, which he considers meaningful and memorable community gatherings.

For anyone considering a move to Mitchell, Steve offers this thoughtful advice:
“Look Mitchell over, talk to residents, and view different businesses and eating options.”

His practical perspective comes from decades of community involvement and attention to detail.

Today, Steve continues to help neighbors with home improvement projects, drawing on his extensive experience and his love of working with his hands. Penny, now a homemaker, shares in the fulfillment of this new phase of life. Together, with Justin nearby and Tess always ready for an outdoor adventure, they’ve found comfort, connection, and purpose in Mitchell.

Whether it's through preserving history, crafting homes, or helping build South Dakota's iconic corn murals, Steve Schoepf brings a legacy of hard work and heart to everything he does. Mitchell may be their new hometown, but their impact already runs deep.