Andrew Schmidt

1934 - 2022

Andrew Schmidt

Andrew Schmidt died August 6, 2022, surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 11, 2022, at St. Katherine Catholic Church, Braddock with Fr. Mark Aune officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7:00 PM with a Vigil/Rosary service at 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, 4211 Old Red Trail, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in St. Katherine's Cemetery, Braddock.

Andy was born March 13, 1934, to Michael and Genevieve (Goldade) Schmidt in Logan County. When Andy was 9 years old the family moved to a farm northeast of Braddock, ND. This move was precipitated by the death of Andy's mom in 1943.

Andy attended rural school through grade 8. He would hitch the family horse to a cart or sleigh in the winter to travel to school, picking up neighborhood kids along the way. This was his initial foray as a bus driver. Andy attended high school in Braddock, graduating in 1952.

Andy's dad was a strict German immigrant who did not coddle his children. The one indulgence he did allow was baseball. Andy looked forward to two dry patches in the spring so he and his brothers could play catch. His baseball career spanned 30 years, beginning in 1949 with the Braddock Midget League and culminating in 1980 with his induction into the North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He remained active in Braddock sports coaching Babe Ruth, Midget, and Pee Wee baseball as well as women's softball.

Andy married Joan Baker on February 11th, 1956, at St. Katherine's church in Braddock. Together they raised 9 children, all of whom graduated from Braddock High School. Andy was a devoted husband and dedicated father. He set a positive example of what a great man could and should be. He led by example and unhesitatingly did what needed to be done, without being asked and often without pay.

Raising 9 children did not come easy or cheap. Andy worked several jobs to make ends meet. He worked at the Braddock elevator for many years, while also driving school bus and refereeing high school basketball. This was in addition to being a trustee at St Katherine's church and a Lion's member with 50 years of perfect attendance. He was also on the town board, park board, economic development and was the chairman of the planning committee for Braddock's 125th anniversary. He later worked at the Kintyre elevator, McLeish Ranch and Beastrom Oil.

In the early 80's, Andy and Joan bought the grocery store in Braddock. Since they both now worked downtown (Joan at the Post Office), they could be seen walking to and from work holding hands. The dwindling population and the closure of the Braddock school eventually forced Andy to shutter the store.

As much as Andy loved playing baseball, one of the greatest sports moments for him occurred in 1988 when his youngest child Nadine led his beloved Braddock to the Class B girls' basketball championship and garnered the title of ND Miss Basketball. Nadine went on to play ball for NDSU. Andy and Joan went to every game they possibly could. They thoroughly enjoyed this phase of life.

He was a wonderful, kind, and fun Grandpa. Each grandchild carries their own special memories.

Andy loved his family, his life, his kids, his church, and Braddock, but above all else he loved his wife, Joan. Andy lovingly polished her nails and combed her hair when it became too much for her. He was worried more about "who will take care of Joan" than his own health. Together Andy and Joan provided a stable, loving atmosphere for their children where laughter was appreciated, and a sense of humor cultivated. They were also vital contributors to the community, so much so in 2021 the Braddock Community Hall was dedicated in their names.

Survivors include: his beloved wife Joan; children, Mary Ann Byrne, Dave (Karen Waliser), Kathee Hoff, Dan (Michelle), Laura Schmidt-Dockter, Nora (Kim) Buntrock, Andrea (Curt) Dockter, Darren (Rona), Nadine (Cynthia Bryant), and close family friend Sue Bright; siblings Theresia Neigum, Pete (Marie) Schmidt; 23 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Anna, Phillis and Rita Schmidt. Andy is also survived by the community of Braddock.

Preceded in death by his parents; Joan's parents, Hubert and Louise (Feyereisen) Baker; siblings, Tony, Johnny, Steve (Katie), Eugene Schmidt, Lorraine (Russel) Kiefer; in-laws Kathleen and Jerome Landsberger, Pete Neigum; son-in-law Dennis Dockter; great grandson Michael.

Funeral arrangements are being made with DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory, Mandan, North Dakota.