William Schmitz

Bismarck

William “Bill” Schmitz, 94, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 21, 2025 in a Bismarck long term care Facility.

William Ronald Schmitz was born on March 4, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of William C. and Rose (Renz) Schmitz. He was raised and educated in Chicago and Minot, where he graduated from Minot High School in 1949 and later attended Minot State College. Bill entered into active-duty service with the United States Marine Corps and honorably served his country from 1952-1956.

Bill returned to North Dakota and was united in marriage to Doris Schmitz on June 6, 1959 in St Mary’s Catholic Church in Foxholm. From this union, four daughters were born: Deborah, Sherry, Pamela and Jill. They made their home in Minot, where he was employed with NSP as a senior accountant for 29 years, until retiring in 1988.

Bill enjoyed taking vacations by car with his wife and children. They also took many bus tours. Together, they traveled to all the lower 48 states. Bill enjoyed bowling, fishing, reading and watching NFL football games, especially his beloved Minnesota Vikings. He also watched NASCAR races. He and one of his sons-in-law attended a NASCAR race in Las Vegas.

Throughout the years, Bill and Doris enjoyed camping with their children and grandchildren, especially partaking in smores over the campfire. He also spent countless hours on his computer. They continued to live in Minot until moving to Bismarck in 2022, where they became residents of Edgewood Vista and most recently the Missouri Slope Nursing Care Facility.

His loving family includes: wife of 65 years, Doris; daughters, Deborah (Dwayne) Cullen, Mandan, Sherry (Kevin) Folkers, Kenmare, Pamela (Glen) Rutherford, Bismarck and Jill (John) Westereng, Bismarck; 8 grandchildren to include: Gary, Lane, Michael, Joel, Kayla, Leah, Tanner and Jenna; 5 great grandchildren to include: Henry, Jensen, Sawyer, Braxten and Brecken; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Daniel Cullen and sister-in-law, Evelyn (Donald) Degree.

Funeral Service: Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 11 a.m. in St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Minot. Those wishing to watch a livestream of the service or a recording of the service at a later date can go to www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot

Visitation: Wednesday, March 26th from 5-7 p.m. with a Prayer Service to follow all in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to St Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 25, 2025.