Obituary

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Donald Gene Schmidt, age 81, of Fargo, died on Friday, February 21, 2025, at home under the care of his family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Don was born on September 20, 1943 to Lawrence and Delores (Carlson) Schmidt in Mayville, ND.

He grew up in Fargo, ND, attended Fargo Public Schools (Central High School) and played basketball. That is where he met Carol Jene Campbell. The couple married and started a family. Don and Carol had four children, Terry Schmidt, Allen Schmidt, Tracy Wang, and Deon Schmidt.

He later met the love of his life, Marlys Elaine Rivenes. It was love at first sight. Marlys had three children, Julie Rohde, Steven Hansen, and Andra Hansen. Don and Marlys joined forces and the modern-day Brady Bunch was born.

Don worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company for a few years, then worked with the City of Fargo in the solid waste department. He retired 32 years later.

Don enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings play on Sunday. Two additional passions included bowling and antique collecting. Don bowled a perfect "300" game on February 14, 1989. He served as president of the FMBA for many years and was inducted into the Fargo-Moorhead Bowling Hall of Fame in 1995.

Don also loved slow-pitch softball and golfing. He was a pitcher for Piggly Wiggly Class A State Champions and was happy golfing anytime, anywhere. Later on Don was involved with antique collecting. He traveled around the country doing flea markets with Marlys, selling, buying, and collecting antiques. He stopped going to flea markets and joined forces with Kristi Bixby at the Antique Mall (F.A.R.M.) in Fargo, ND. Don truly loved all of his children, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

He is survived by his children, Terry (Judi) Schmidt of Detroit Lakes, MN, Allen (Tamara) Schmidt of Fargo, ND, Tracy Wang (Shane Hoffart) of Yuma, AZ, Deon (Mary) Schmidt of Moorhead, MN, Steve Hansen of West Fargo, ND, Andra Hansen of AZ; grandkids, Jenny (Dean) Krueger, Amanda Rohde, Tyler (Heather) Schmidt, Tara Schmidt, Hans (Maggie) Ulmer, Leif Ulmer, Eli Hanson, Alyssa Lafrance, Anna (Alex) Kuchta, Nicholas Schmidt, Cole Schmidt, and Mason Schmidt; 25 great-grandkids; 7 great, great grandkids, brother, Jerry (Linda) Schmidt; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence (Larry) Schmidt and Delores Carlson; sisters, Cheryl LaRude, Lisa Useldinger, and Sandy Schwartz; daughter, Julie Rohde; grandson, Ian Ulmer; and nephew, Darren Nelson.A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo.

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