Marian Schmidt

Marian Schmidt, age 88, of Max, ND, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Max, ND. Burial will be held in the Spring at St. Matthew Cemetery, rural Max, ND.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services on Friday.

Marian was born on April 26, 1937, the eldest of five daughters. The family moved to Max during her childhood, where Marian attended Max School and graduated in 1955. In April 1956, she married Arnold Schmidt, the love of her life, and together they built a beautiful life on the family farm.

Marian was a talented singer, having competed in and won numerous competitions during her high school years, even qualifying for State. She worked alongside her father at his implement store on Main Street and managed the books for the Max Development Corporation Lumber Yard. She was a devoted farm wife, raising small grains, sheep, cattle, and chickens with Arnold. Marian's industrious nature shone through as she saved egg money to purchase her cherished organ.

Her passions included knitting, gardening, and baking. Marian was a dedicated member of the Sunnyslope Homemakers club for over 40 years and played the organ for church services at St. Matthews for many years. Together with Arnold, Marian enjoyed memorable bus tours, especially to Branson, MO, and Nashville, TN.

One of Marian's greatest joys was her grandson, Trevor; she cherished their childhood sleepovers and delighted in watching him grow into a remarkable young man. Marian's legacy of love and devotion will be remembered by her family and all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Warren Schmidt and Kendal (Michele) Schmidt; grandson, Trevor (fiancée Lauren) Schmidt; step-grandsons, Brendan and Connor; step-great grandsons, Kellan and Sullivan; sisters, Carolyn (Don) Nett, Sharlene Fredrich, Darlene Tomlinson, and Jolene Mann; sister-in-law, Marlene (Paul) Sorenson, Trudy Heaton; and many nieces and nephews.

Marian was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 43 years, Arnold and infant son Stuart; parents, Richard and Elviva Kostenko; brothers-in-law, Harold Newman, Tony Mann, Dennis Fredrich, and George Tomlinson; in-laws, Elmer and Marion Schmidt, Lorraine and Edgar Schmidt, and Gerald Schmidt.

She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

To view a livestream of the service, go to www.facebook.com/garrisonthompsonfh or to the Thompson Funeral Home-Garrison, ND Facebook page.