Leroy Schmidt

Leroy’s service will be livestreamed below at 6:00 pm, Thursday, May 29, 2025

Leroy Joseph Schmidt, 51, of West Fargo, passed away on April 30, 2025.

Leroy was born on September 21, 1973 in Seattle, WA, but spent his childhood and adult life in Fargo, ND. Known for his athleticism in football, fast-pitch softball, baseball, and wrestling, Leroy played with heart, grit, and unstoppable drive. A proud fan of the Dallas Cowboys, everyone knew where to find Leroy on Sundays during football season. Beyond sports, Leroy excelled at whatever game or project he set out to do, giving it everything he had. That same fire and loyalty showed up in every part of his life.

Leroy most enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—his home, his pets, his work, and time with the people he loved. He was a man of deep compassion and generosity. He shared his home with many beloved dogs throughout his life—each one a true companion, each loss felt deeply. Leroy was a free spirit with a big laugh and an even bigger heart.

He was a proud girl dad, sharing dance parties with his daughter and her friends, and often becoming the biggest kid in the room at birthday parties and family vacations. Leroy wasn’t scared to play Barbies, or veg out for hours to a Disney movie marathon, and he was often the first one out the door, all dressed up on Halloween.

Leroy was known for his tremendous work ethic and was regarded as the most talented painter in the Fargo area, known for his precision and unmatched skill. Leroy worked for numerous local companies over the years and eventually owned his own painting business. Known for his impeccable attention to detail, Leroy took great pride in helping families and businesses transform their spaces. His keen eye and perfectionist style set him apart from all the rest. But his work wasn’t just about paint on walls; it was about creating lasting beauty and leaving a mark that would be remembered. His passion for creating beautiful art lives on in buildings, churches, and multimillion-dollar homes across the region.

Leroy and his three brothers were raised by their mother to be tough and self-sufficient men. From an early age, they learned the value of resilience, hard work, and standing by each other no matter what. Leroy carried those lessons with him throughout his life, becoming fiercely loyal to his family—full of heart, always ready to protect those he loved, and never backing down from a challenge.

On the side of his painting van were the words, “Tough To Beat”—a simple phrase that perfectly captured Leroy’s spirit. He was tough to beat in a game, tough to beat in his work, and tough to beat when it came to his fierce, protective love for his family and friends. Taken far too soon, his presence will be deeply missed. He was—and always will be—deeply, fiercely loved, and in every way, tough to beat.

Leroy was preceded in death by his father, Edward Schmidt; his stepfather, Sam Hegney; and his grandparents, Joe and Julia Volk and Frank and Magdalen Schmidt.

Leroy is survived by his daughter, Justine Kiser, and her husband, Cameron; and Justine’s mother, Charmaine English; his mother, Lucille Hegney, and her life partner, Dan; his brothers, Allen Schmidt and his wife, Amy, Shawn Schmidt and his wife, Heather, Elroy Schmidt and his girlfriend, Stephanie; his nieces and nephew, Molly Schmidt and her fiancé, Devin, Ryan Schmidt, Brooke Schmidt, and Jada Schmidt, as well as many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating to help our family cover the funeral expenses for Leroy. Thank you very much for your generosity and support!

A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 p.m. at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. A private burial for the immediate family will follow. For anyone wishing to visit his final resting place, Leroy will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Fargo.