M. Donald Schmit

m. donald schmit
M. Donald Schmit, formerly of Kindred, died on January 8, 2018 in Elim Care Center, Fargo. Michael Donald (Don) Schmit, 93, was born to Arthur and Cunegundes “Connie” (Esser) Schmit in Casselton, ND. Don grew up and attended school in Casselton. He worked on his Grandpa and Grandma Esser's farm near Casselton for a number of years, then at the Armour Packing Company in West Fargo. Don entered the U.S. Navy on June 11, 1943, and was transported to Hawaii on the USS Yorktown. He served as a Motor Mechanic II, first on Canton Island in the South Pacific then at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he drove a semi fuel tanker. Don was discharged Thanksgiving Day 1945, and returned to his home in Casselton and his job at Armour. Two years later, Don got a job with Northwestern Bell where he met his future wife, Lois Dahlen. Don and Lois were married at Lois' parents' home in Kindred on September 17, 1950, and resided in Casselton. Shortly thereafter, Don was made manager of the “Bell” office in Kindred where they made their home and raised their five children. Don retired after 35 years of service with “Bell”. Don was a charter member of the Kindred Wildlife Club, Kindred Lions, Kindred American Legion, President of the Kindred Chamber of Commerce, Kindred City Council Alderman and Park Board, an original stockholder of the Leonard Golf Club, Treasurer of Norman Lutheran Church for several years, and assisted with the annual fireworks display in Kindred. Don's interests included gardening, woodworking, traveling, fishing, and attending their children and grandchildren's events with Lois. For many years, they enjoyed going dancing with their friends. Don and Lois loved to “go for a ride” without any real destination, but usually found a casino along the way. Lois passed away in July of 2010 and Don then lived with their daughter Diane and her family, the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon, and for the past year, was a resident of Elim Care Center in Fargo where he received excellent care. Don was very proud of his family, his community, and his country. He is survived by his five children: Diane (Neil) Dockter, Horace, and their children: Tracy (Deano) Handt: Todd, Jaxon, Sydney, Marina; John (Rachel) Myhre: Augustus, Ember; Brad (Amy) Dockter: Isaac, Joshua, Samuel, Hannah; Avery (Danielle) Dockter; Kristin (Bob) Wollschlager: Andie, Zoey, Mike (Marty) Schmit, Davenport: Joey (Emma) Schmit: Tilda and Rowan, Pat Schmit, Davenport: Connie (Jacob) Mahowald; Katie, Kristie and Kellie Schmit, Kathy (Dennis) Sumption, Kindred; Kayla (Kortney) Kirkeby; Kari (Ryan) Hage: Jack; Kelsey (Brent) Plante: Beckett, Jon (Michelle) Schmit, Marshall, MN; Emily (Derek) Giles: Thorne, Taegan, Jasper; Sara (Matthew) Runck: Ana Rosie; Rose Schmit. Don was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings: Edna Mae Knutson, Dorothea Kemmer, and Richard Schmit; his daughter-in-law Vicki Schmit, and great grandson Michael Handt. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Fredrikson-Boulger Funeral Chapel in Kindred, with visitation beginning at 5:00 PM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 15 at Norman Lutheran Church in rural Kindred, ND with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. The family requests memorials be directed to the N.D. Veterans Home in Lisbon.

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  1. Kathy and family-so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sharon Zimprich Medders

  2. To all the family I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad, my Uncle Donnie that I So remember back when I was young. Rest in peace Uncle Donnie. Much Love & Condolences to all..🙏🏻

  3. What a wonderful person Don was. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Gods blessings.

  4. To the Schmit Family, So very sorry to hear of the news of your dad’s death. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping all the good memories will bring you peace at this difficult time!

  5. So very sorry to hear about Don…”the candy man”….he was always handing candy over the shoulders of the kids in church …maybe to keep them quiet 😉. Our deepest sympathies to the family in their loss.

  6. Uncle Donnie will always hold a special place in my heart. He always remembered to call on my birthday and uplifted our spirits just to sit and talk with him. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Wish we could be there.

  7. We just want to let all of you (Don’s family) know how much we enjoyed getting to know Don at the North Dakota Veteran’s home in Lisbon. He was buddies with my dad, Bob Billing. A visit with Dad was a visit with Don. Dad missed him so much when he had to move to skilled. Their discussions of their wonderful wives and all the fun they had over the years was truly heartwarming. For sure the “Greatest Generation”. What a honor to have them as our parents. Hope to see some of you at Tamarac Lake this summer. Blessed be the memory of Don.

  8. To All of Don’s Family, I remember when your Mom & Dad sat in front of us at church. you had wonderful parents!
    We’re so sorry for your loss! Prayer’s go out to you all !

  9. Thinking of you at the time of the loss of your dad. I have fond memories as a child of Uncle Donnie. Blessings to you all –

  10. Don and Lois were the first couple we met when we first moved to Kindred in 1972. Many precious memories of them and their children that I came to know. Jon even helped us as we were moving into our house. Don and Lois were very special people and I was fortunate to be among their friends. Our prayers and deepest condolences to the family as they deal with their sadness.

  11. To the Schmit family-I have fond memories of Don and Lois growing up and my heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. May you all be lifted up by your cherished memories.

  12. So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I will always remember his big smile & he would always take time to visit no mater how busy he was. My prays go out to all the family members. He will be missed.

  13. Dear Schmidt Family –

    It was our intention to drive to Norman Lutheran Church today for Uncle Donnie funeral, but the weather/road conditions will keep us away. Please accept our very best to you on this day of remembrance. As a small child, it was always a special time to visit Kindred and see Donnie and Lois. He was the “first-real-golfer” I ever met! Be well and at peace. David/Anne Dahlen, Zumbrota, MN

  14. My sincere prayers go out to the entire Schmit Family on the passing of your dad. One fond memory of Donnie, that jumps out at me, was that he always had a smile for everyone he met. Another one was that he and your Mom were good very dancers, as were my folks. Seems as though a lot of couples were back then.
    May these memories bring a smile to your face!


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