Ronald Schmitz

Ronald W. Schmitz, 70, of Chadron, Nebraska passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 18, 2026 in the care of Vibra Hospital of the Central Dakotas in Mandan, North Dakota. Ron was born on January 19, 1956 in Stanley, WI to the late Robert (Bob) and Katherine (Heiting) Schmitz. He grew up in Stanley where he attended what was then St. Anne's Catholic School and was a 1974 graduate of Stanley-Boyd High School. He was employed as a surgical nurse for 23 years, having obtained nursing degrees from colleges in Marshfield and LaCrosse, WI. On November 15, 1975 he married Jeri Overturf in Chippewa Falls, WI. Though they later divorced, two daughters were born of this union. Ron was also a member of the Wisconsin National Guard when was deployed as a medic for Operation Desert Storm. In 2000 while with the National Guard, Ron also completed a master's degree in Nurse Anesthesia from St Mary's University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. For the next 26 years employment opportunities expanded to locations in Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming. At the same time Ron established and managed pain clinics, an endeavor that fueled his ambition to better serve the healthcare needs of his community.

On October 26, 2013 Ron married Cindi (Tescher) Stockwell in Beulah, North Dakota. They cherished their time together traveling and moments spent with their family before Cindi's passing in 2018. Ron loved adventure, savoring all that life had to offer. The outdoors was his haven. Precious memories were made deer hunting with family and relatives, along with weekends spent at his grandparents' cabin. Hunting and fishing were his passion, whether that included family fishing trips to Canada, smelt runs at Lake Superior, duck hunting with his dogs, or return trips to hunt mule deer in Wyoming. He had the opportunity to hunt bear and moose in Alaska, elk in Wyoming, and tour the Mayan Indian ruins of Mexico. In his later years Ron considered the Chadron, Nebraska area home. There he looked forward to hosting family for yearly deer hunts on his nearby ranch. He treasured the time spent with his brother Mike, whether it was constructing raised garden beds, deer stands, picking rock, or scouting for an estate sale. Most importantly, Ron took solace in his faith where prayer and participation in his church community were paramount to his life.

Ron is survived by his daughters, Heather (Jay Ulga) Schmitz and Holly Schmitz, both of Appleton, WI; stepchildren, Chad (Cassie) Stockwell, Mandan, North Dakota, Chelsea Stockwell, South Heart, North Dakota, and Chase (Shweta) Stockwell, Crescent City, CA. He is further survived by a brother Michael (Bonnie) Schmitz of Jim Falls, WI; step grandchildren, Tyler, Carter, Kyra, Danica, and Aubrielle Stockwell, in addition to nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in laws, sister-in-laws, and his dog, Kallie. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, both spouses, a step son Chip Stockwell and granddaughter Emma.

A visitation was held was held at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan, North Dakota on June 25, 2026. A graveside service followed at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Beach, North Dakota. A Celebration of Life & Funeral Service will be held at a later date at the Christ Community Church in Crawford, Nebraska.

Our sincere thanks to the staff and care team at Vibra Hospital for all the excellent and compassionate care given to Ron along with the kindness and support shown to his loved ones.