Simon Schmidt

Simon Schmidt, 79, Mandan, died Jan. 2, 2010, at Medcenter One, Bismarck. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mandan, with the Rev. Kenneth Phillips as celebrant. Burial will be in Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a parish rosary/vigil at 7 p.m. There will not be a visitation at the church on Wednesday.

Simon was born Aug. 15, 1930, in Morton County, to Rudolph and Margaret (Boehm) Schmidt. He was raised and educated on a farm south of Center. On Oct. 29, 1951, Simon married Lillian Hatzenbuehler at St. Vincent's Catholic Church in Crown Butte. Simon farmed and ranched for 52 years taking great pride in seeding and harvesting his crop each year. In 2003, Simon and Lillian sold their farm and built their dream home in Mandan, enjoying the scenic views from their beautiful new home.

Traveling was something Simon grew to love, among the many places they traveled to were Switzerland, Alaska, Hawaii and the Calgary Stampede. He also enjoyed trips to Prairie Knights Casino and to Reno and Vegas. For their 25th wedding anniversary, Simon and Lillian took their family on a hunting trip to Montana. They backpacked into the mountains on horseback and hunted elk and bear.

Simon took great pride in his 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark 5, only driving it on special occasions. This strong and independent man will be greatly missed by those blessed to have shared his life.

Left with fond memories are his wife of 58 years, Lillian, Mandan; one daughter, Carol (Steve) Horner, Mandan; four sons, Calvin (Jackie) and Myron (Carrie), both of Mandan, and Simon Jr. (Michelle) and Wesley (fiancee, Donna Praus), both of Bismarck; seven grandchildren, Miranda, Medora, Levi, Chance, Stone, Sawyer and Katarina Schmidt; five great grandchildren, Harlee, Madison, Rhyleigh, Shotae, Phoenix and one to be born in three weeks, Mason; one sister, Helen (Jack) Hatzenbuhler, Mandan; and two brothers, Joseph (Monica), Center, and Rudolph Jr. (Betty), Mandan.

Simon was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Katherine Schmidt; and his brothers, Raymond, Frank and infant Adam.

Go to http://www.weigelfuneral.com">www.weigelfuneral.com to sign the online guest book and view flower and tribute photos.