George M. Schmidt

   With family by his side, George’s heavenly room was ready and welcomed him on April 22, 2025. 

   George, age 91, was born on January 13, 1934 in Mandan, ND to George P. and Angeline (Hecker) Schmidt. He grew up on a ranch near Flasher, ND and he was one of thirteen children.  

   He  served in the US Air Force from 1955 to 1959 when he was honorably discharged. 

   He married Clare Fried on February 27, 1960 at St. Vincent’s  Church near Mandan. 

   George and Clare raised 6 children for which they would often say, “we have 3 boys and 3 girls”. George worked for Singer Sewing Machine Company, WW Wallwork, and West Fargo Public Schools. He also owned Schmidt Auctioneers for 10  years. His wife Clare and their 6 children were all part of the auction  business. George was a hard worker and was often in his garage fixing a  vehicle, lawn mower or snowblower until late into the evening. 

   He loved  music and dancing and he would entertain with his guitar and many songs around the family campfire at Lake Ashtabula. He loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his sons,  daughters and grandchildren. George was also an enthusiastic NDSU Bison Fan as his 6 children attended NDSU and his wife Clare was a longtime associate at the NDSU Bookstore.   

   George was a devoted Catholic and no matter  where the family traveled, he always found a nearby Catholic Church to  attend services. George was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, the  Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge.

   In his last years, George received great care from the teams at Hospice of the Red River Valley and Bethany on 42nd.  We are grateful for the comfort and support from these amazing professional caregivers.

   Family meant everything to George and his advice, spirit and great sense of humor will be greatly missed

   George is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Clare Schmidt – Fargo, ND and their six children and families:

--Sherri Schmidt (Paul Tefft), Fargo ND 

--Lane (Mark) Magnusson, Fergus Falls, MN and their children: Erika (Evan) Ellison; Aimee (Michael) Henrichs with granddaughter Olivia; Annie Magnusson

--Mark (Jill) Schmidt, Plymouth, MN and their children Jordan (Emma) Schmidt with grandchildren Vivian and Jackson; Lauren Schmidt;  Haley (Kamal) Martin 

--Clark (Liz Hart) Schmidt, Las Vegas, NV and son Zach Hart                    

--Curt (Lori) Schmidt, Shakopee, MN and their children Kayla (Jeremiah) Ellis with grandson Bennett; Megan (Andrew) Garner; Jacob Schmidt; Lindsay Schmidt 

--Jennifer (Dean) Kraft, Mapleton, ND and their children Lawson Kraft; Adrienne Kraft

   He is also survived by 5 brothers and sisters: Katheryn Kuntz, Frank (Bonnie) Schmidt, Patrick (Brenda) Schmidt, Bernadette Wanner and Benedict (Joell) Schmidt.

   He was preceded in death by his parents George P. and Angeline Schmidt and siblings: Lorraine, Edward, Richard, Bernard, Eugene, Helen, and Delores.

   If you wish to honor George, memorial gifts may be directed to Hospice of the Red River Valley, Blessed Sacrament Church or Bethany on 42nd.

   Visitation: Sunday, May 4, from 4:00-5:30 p.m., in West Funeral Home, West Fargo, followed by a prayer service at 5:30 p.m.   

   Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 5, at 11:00 a.m., in Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, West Fargo, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

   Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery North, Fargo, North Dakota.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

Westfuneralhome.com

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