Laurie Schmidt

Laurie L. Schmidt, age 76, of Farmington, MN, and formerly of Solen, ND, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Laurie greatly benefited from the ongoing care and treatment she received at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, for both Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia, the diagnoses that ultimately led to her passing.

Visitation will be held from 10:00AM - 11:30 AM Tuesday, September 22nd at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan, ND, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM with Fr. Keith Streifel as celebrant. Burial will follow in Mandan Union Cemetery.

Laurie was born to Rudolph and Anna (Hauge) Vangsness on July 6, 1950, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND. She and her five older siblings were raised on the family’s farm near Roseglen, ND. Laurie graduated from White Shield High School in 1968 and then continued her studies at Minot State University and Minot Business College.

On May 11, 1973, Laurie married Gerald A. (Jerry) Schmidt at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bismarck. Together they raised their five children on the Schmidt family farm in Solen, ND.

Laurie embraced farm life, growing an abundant garden, raising chickens and ducks, canning fruits and vegetables, and helping with farm work where needed. She was known for her excellent work ethic, willing hands, and dedication to family. Hospitality was second nature to Laurie. As an outstanding cook and baker, she often welcomed additional guests to her table for delicious homemade meals. Laurie's kitchen produced wonderful fresh baked breads, caramel rolls, cinnamon rolls, kuchen bars, chocolate cake, German potato salad, fried chicken, roasts and gravy, and so much more. She had an amazing memory, seldom referring to a recipe or a calendar for important dates.

Laurie was a talented seamstress, vocalist, pianist, and organist. As a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church for many years, she served as a soloist and played both the organ and piano for Saturday/Sunday services. Laurie and her dear friend, Judy Friesz, often accompanied one another and sang together – something Laurie treasured. Until her declining health began to limit her mobility, Laurie was also an active member of the Christian Mother’s Group at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Laurie's interest in her children's school led her to serve on the Flasher School Board from 1985 – 1994.

As a woman who wore many hats, Laurie's career as an administrative assistant spanned nearly 30 years. She was employed at St. Alexis Hospital, the IPA Clinic, Mandan Heart and Lung Clinic, Regional Medical Center, and West Central Human Services Center, retiring in 2015.

Laurie is survived by her five children, Jana Schmidt of Mandan, Jared Schmidt of Solen, Jon Schmidt of Minot, Joy Landeis (Dustin) of Solen, and Jodi Stevens of Solen; seven grandchildren, Aidan, Avery, Eli, & Garrett Stevens, and Anna, Autumn, and Eldon Landeis; sister-in-law, Alice Vangsness of Ryder, ND; sister-in-law, Cynthia (Ken) Haff of Mandan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Laurie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, in-laws, Gabriel and Ottilia (Fleck) Schmidt of Mandan; sisters, Audrey (Dean) Lafferty of Champaign, IL, Jean Lammers of Bismarck, Elizabeth Anderson of Greeley, CO, & Sharon (Phil) Erickson of Minot, ND; brother, Darwin Vangsness of Ryder, ND; and her sister-in-law, Linda (Curtis) Zearley of Mandan, ND.

Laurie wanted to extend her deep appreciation and gratitude to Mike and Cheryl Groves for welcoming her into their home after Jerry's death and providing her with exceptional care. They were devoted to Laurie, treating her as part of their family. Their thoughtful approach to Laurie’s well-being assured a high quality of life that encompassed the love, courtesy, compassion, and dignity she deserved.

Memorials can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church and Spirit of Life Catholic Church.