Tracy Schmidt
May 15, 1959 ~ April 2, 2014
Tracy John Schmidt, 54, West Fargo, ND, died Wednesday, April 2nd, 2014 at Vibra Hospital of Fargo after a short illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones.
Tracy was born May 15, 1959 in Fargo to Allen and Rita (Meehan) Schmidt, the 3rd of 3 children. Tracy was born with Down's Syndrome and lived for the first 11 years of his life at home. He lived in Grafton and later group homes in Grand Forks , Jamestown and Friendship Village in Fargo. His final move was to the Red River Human Services, Svee home in Fargo (later West Fargo), where he lived many years until his passing.
In earlier years, Tracy was an enthusiastic participant in Special Olympics and his enthusiasm for sporting events continued, whether live or on television. His interests were many through the years; bowling, swimming, shooting baskets, Friday night dances and always oldies music, to name a few. He could do a mean interpretation of Elvis and had the "beat" with his air drums. Tracy had a fondness for camping and the activities that came with that, singing around the campfire and karaoke. There was always a deep love of animals and babies; especially holding them. He was a 30+ year employee of DWAC-The Job Shop where he enjoyed the friendship's and the atmosphere immensely.
His spirit and sense of humor that we all knew and loved will be dearly missed.
Tracy is survived by his step mother, Mary Schmidt of West Fargo; brothers, Dan (Jeanne) of Fargo; Pat (Cheryl) of Eden Prairie, MN; nephew, Dylan Schmidt of Fargo; nieces, Erin Schmidt of Moorhead; Katie Schmidt of Fargo and Samantha Schmidt of Fargo and one grand niece River Schmidt of Moorhead.
He was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Rita.
The family wants to sincerely thank the staff and care givers of Red River Human Services and DWAC (Job Shop) for the many kindnesses, and loving care Tracy received throughout these many years. His life had quality; he was fulfilled, and knew joy because of you. To the staff of Vibra Hospital; thank you for the attentive care you showed our loved one.
click below to view Tracy's video tribute:
https://thetributecenter.com/tributeplayer/default.aspx?webvideoID=13897
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I worked with Tracy at SVEE homes and got to know Tracy well. Tracy was such a kind and gentle man. I can remember watching tv with him and the way he would smile the biggest smile when a puppy or other animal came on the tv. I loved the way he would joke around with others and how he would comfort others when they were feeling sad. He really took pleasure in the little things in life like sitting and enjoying some good music or even going to the gas station for a pop and chatting with the cashiers. He loved to dance and even taught me some cool dance moves (like the air drumsticks). I am a better person for having known Tracy. My condolences to Tracy’s family and all the other people who have been lucky enough to have known Tracy. He will be missed.
lisbon ndTo the family and friends of Tracy Schmidt, I am the drummer for Tilford Kroshus, we play a lot for the Friday night dance’s, I seen Tracy playing air drums a lot and loved his passion for the drums and music, he had wonderful energy and a wonderful smile. I’m going to miss him. I have a great picture of him sitting on my drum set. RIP my friend.
Omaha NEPat and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Brother Tracy. I did not know him, but just reading about him, and how loved he was just made me smile. He will be in your hearts forever. Colleen(Dwyer) Tuff
Grand Junction COMy family was so surprised to learn of Tracy’s death as we are in ColoradoxrT37. We will always remember him as a smiling, fun, and kind man. Our brother, Paul, worked with Tracy at DWAC for years. We would see Tracy at the Friday night dances where we would persuade him to dance or be entertained when he played his air drums. A beautiful soul! We are sorry for your loss.
Fargo N.D
To the family of Tracy, My thought and prayer are with you.I knew Tracy from DWAC where my brother Greg was a client,they are such a big and wonderful family there..Greg too had Downs and we lost him 2yrs ago.I am sure you have great memories of Tracy that will make his passing alittle more bareable. God gave us GREAT guys to Love and they loved us too…God Bless You with the Memory of Tracy!
Urbana ILWe were blessed to have known Tracy and we will miss his special smile.
Kirsten Riley
Karma Ibsen
Dan Folk