Donald M. Schmidt

Donald M. Schmidt, 84, of Bismarck, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Bismarck.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 S. 3rd St., Bismarck, with Father Russell Kovash officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Weigel Funeral Home, 309 4th Ave. NW, Mandan. A Rosary and Parish Vigil will begin at 6:00 p.m.

Donald Matthew Schmidt, known as Donnie to his family and friends, was born on October 11, 1941, in Solen, North Dakota, to John and Bertha (Maier) Schmidt. He was raised in Solen, where he attended school before serving his country in the United States Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Following his honorable discharge after two years of service, Donnie returned home to ranch alongside his father and brother, John. He eventually took over the family operation, dedicating his life to the land until retiring in 2010.

Donnie was first married to Emma Jean Day, and together they welcomed two sons, Don Jr. and Mike. Emma Jean passed away in 1983.

Later, Donnie found love again when he married Bernice Hellman. Together they blended their families and built a wonderful life. Although they retired to Bismarck, Donnie could rarely stay away from the ranch. He made countless trips back to lend a hand, always happy to help.

Donnie was a member of the American Legion and the Solen Rural Fire Department. He was a hardworking rancher through and through, and farming was simply his way of life.

Donnie enjoyed watching classic westerns, taking in a movie (even if it meant going by himself), packing up for a picnic, and meeting family and friends for a good meal. He appreciated life's simple pleasures and treasured the time spent with those he loved.

He will be sorely missed by his wife, Bernice; his children, Tammy (David) Acuff, Don (Tyann) Schmidt Jr., Michael (Rolenthea) Schmidt, Jesse (Lauree) Hellman, Scott (Kandie) Hellman, Tracy (Ryan) Meschke, and Kurt (Nerissa) Hellman; his sister, Lillian (Wayne) Brewster; sister-in-law, Elaine Schmidt; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha Schmidt; his first wife, Emma Jean Schmidt; his son, Jerry Schmidt; his brother, John Schmidt; his sisters, Genevieve Tschider and Evelyn (Dennis) Spieker; and his parents-in-law, George and Agnes Leingang.