R. Smith Schuneman

R. Smith Schuneman, a distinguished educator, and entrepreneur passed away on November 24, 2024, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was 88 years old. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake followed by a burial at Lakeview Cemetery.

He was born on February 10, 1936, in Spirit Lake, Iowa, to Raymond (Art) and Olive (Bunch) (Smith) Schuneman and graduated Valedictorian from Milford High School in 1954. His academic journey led him to Ohio University, where he earned both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Photography, along with minors in Art History and Journalism. He went on to complete a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy in Mass Communications Research, all from the University of Minnesota.

Smith was married to Patricia (Ward) Schuneman on August 31, 1958.

As a professor at the University of Minnesota he developed the university’s program in Photographic Communication, one of only two nationally accredited programs in the United States. His students earned numerous accolades for their work, and he proudly boasted of the number of his students that were full time staff Photographers at National Geographic. His legacy in the field of visual communications is widely recognized.

In 1976, Smith left his professorship at Minnesota and founded Media Loft, Inc., an audiovisual production firm specializing in corporate and educational presentations and events. Over the next two decades, he served as President, Chairman, and CEO of the company, which earned national acclaim for its innovative work. Media Loft boasted clients like Target Polaris and Cost to Coast during his time.

In 1998, after completing the sale of Media Loft to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Smith and Pat built their new home on Lake Okoboji. He continued his involvement in various community organizations, including serving on the Board of the Okoboji Foundation and as a member of the “Friends of the Lakeside Lab” Board. 

Smith is survived by his wife, Pat Schuneman of Okoboji; his son, Bill Schuneman, and grandchildren, Logan Schuneman and Claire Schuneman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Thomas Schuneman.