Caroline Schmaltz

Caroline Schmaltz, 91, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, at Souris Valley Care Center.

Services will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, Velva, with Father Grossman officiating.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot with a Vigil Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Caroline will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Velva, ND.

Caroline was born on the Bachmeier family farm near Orin, ND on May 4, 1934, to Peter and Christine (Marquart) Bachmeier. She was baptized and confirmed at Blumenfeld Church, near Orin, ND. Caroline completed her country school education and then was needed on the farm to milk cows and help around the house.

Caroline was introduced to Mike Schmaltz at a friend's wedding dance and they were married on Valentine's Day in 1955. They made their home on a farm south of Bergan, where they milked cows, given to them by their parents. The family relocated a few times before settling in at Highway 52 Coal Company west of Voltaire, ND. Caroline made many friends from cleaning and painting homes in the area. In 1975, the family moved to Velva. Caroline and Mike became custodians at the Velva Public School, where they worked until retirement.

Caroline was an exceptionally good cook and made sure everyone was fed. Her favorites, by all, were her German Coffee Cake and Potato Salads. Whenever there was a family gathering you would see them there. She also enjoyed gardening and canning her produce. When she was unable to garden any longer, her friends and relatives would keep her supplied with produce to continue her joy of canning.

In her later years Caroline stayed busy making fleece blankets, puzzles, diamond art pictures, and coloring in adult coloring books. Caroline loved visiting with friends, relatives, and anyone who walked by her home. She was a grandma to all and loved watching the little ones play at the school playground.

Our family would like to thank the community of Velva for taking such good care of our mother and being so kind to her. Thank you to the residents and workers at Souris Valley Care Center for making her stay there enjoyable. She loved you all.

Caroline is survived by her Daughter, Brigitha (Tim) Schmidt and their children, Travis and Yolanda; Daughter, Judy (Kenny Rieger) Schmaltz, and her children, Jackie and Kelly; Son, Charles M. (Peggy) Schmaltz, and their children, Katie, Tyler, Alex, and Nathan; Son, Wayne (Sharon) Schmaltz, and their children, Ryan and Kyle; Daughter, Mary Kay (Craig) Wacker, and their children, Derek, and Michael; 17 great-grandchildren who she was so proud of; sisters, Cecilia Carrasquilla and Chris Haman; brother, Lawrence (Karen) Bachmeier; along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mike of 35 years; an infant brother, Anton; brothers, Christ, Joe, Matt, and Pete; sisters, Marcella Bachmeier, Theresa Jones, and Phyllis Lesmeister; great-granddaughters, Joanna and Tillie Tofteland.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Souris Valley Care Center or Holy Cross Cemetery, Velva.

The service can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/x9Bm--UQRB4