Wayne R. Schmidt

Wayne R. Schmidt, 67, of Phoenix, AZ, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Ryan House-Hospice of the Valley, in Phoenix, AZ, with two of his sisters, Mary and Karen, by his side. He gave his all in his battle against cancer, carrying himself with strength, dignity, and courage throughout.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 PM CDT on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Flasher, ND with Fr. Dennis Schafer and Fr. Frank Schuster concelebrating. Burial will follow at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Fallon, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, with a Rosary and Parish Vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Wayne was born September 9, 1958, in Bismarck, the fourth of eight children to Raymond M. and Isabelle (Haider) Schmidt. He graduated from Flasher Public School in 1976. Following graduation, Wayne lived in Fargo, for a couple of years, then headed to the warm climate of Phoenix, AZ. He disliked the cold weather and loved the warm weather, so he made Phoenix his home for 39 years.

Wayne’s passion was in the horse racing business. There’s something unforgettable about working with racehorses. Every morning started before sunrise, with the sound of hooves against the barn floor and the quiet energy of horses ready to run. It’s hard work, long days, and early mornings, but Wayne loved it. Working around the racehorses wasn’t just a job for Wayne, it was his lifestyle. It was about dedication and teamwork. Wayne loved the excitement of race day, the bond formed in the barn, and the passion shared by everyone involved, making it a world unlike any other. Wayne also worked at the Ferguson Ranch in Arizona, where he cared for more horses, his true passion.

Wayne enjoyed calling home and visiting with friends and family. One of his greatest joys was talking with his nephew, Dallas, and he made an effort to call him every day. Among his many qualities, he was especially admired for his wit and ability to bring laughter to others.

Wayne is survived by his five sisters, Cindy (Kurt) Kephart, Ranette Erhardt, Mary (Darrell) Erhardt, Jackie Becker, and Karen (Kelly) Mosbrucker; brothers, Sherwood (special friend, Angie) and Ray Jr. (Tammy); 7 nieces, Miranda (Chris) Murdock, RaeLynn (Brett) Splettstaszer, Kelli Erhardt, Joy (Dallas) Hatzenbuhler, Toni (Justin) Knoll, Caitlyn Becker, and Taylor Schmidt; 6 nephews, Clif (Kylee) Kephart, Clint Kephart, Trevor (Sarah) Erhardt, Dallas Erhardt, Caleb Becker, and Christopher Becker; 8 great-nieces and 10 great-nephews; and Wayne’s special friends, Debbie and Curt Ferguson, and the Friesz family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond M. and Isabelle Schmidt; and brothers-in-law, Todd Wright and Marv Erhardt.