Carl Schneidt, 95, a beloved longtime Miles City businessman, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, at the Miles City Veterans Home.
Born on February 7, 1929 in Broadus, Montana, Carl was the son of Carl Sr. and Katherine (Paul) Schneidt. He grew up in Broadus, where he attended grade school and high school. After graduation, Carl proudly served his country in the United States Army during both World War II and the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana, eventually settling in Miles City—a community he would come to love and call home.
In 1962, Carl and Panzy began their entrepreneurial journey founding Auto Electric, a thriving business specializing in auto mechanics and car sales, which Carl ran until 2008. Carl and Panzy also owned and operated the Gingham Lady and Star Motels, cementing their legacy as hardworking and dedicated members of the Miles City business community.
Carl shared a deep love for life’s simple joys, including trips to the Black Hills and Las Vegas. Those who knew Carl will fondly remember him for his ever-present coveralls and his trademark cigar – a symbol of his steady, no-nonsense personality and enduring work ethic.
Carl was preceded in death by Panzy, in September of 2024, as well as a brother Bill, and sisters, Irene, Margaret, Mary Jane, Liz and Dolly. He is survived by his sons Lonnie (Diane) Schneidt, Randy (Betty Ann), and Jim (Amy) Asher all of Miles City; his brother Jim of Washington; and his sisters, Joyce Hayes of Billings, Montana and Ella Cain of Broadus. Carl also leaves behind his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family.
Carl’s life was a testament to perseverance, service, and community. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2024 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 4, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
2:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 4, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Gene & Vickie Schneidt says
Carl helped so many people in his lifetime. I always appreciated his knowledge in about everything. We won’t forget his laugh or his support he gave freely. Hugs to all his family.
Ann Will says
Carl was a wonderful family man who always put others before himself. I have many fond memories of stopping in to visit with him at the garage with my dad, George, as they discussed cars, mechanics, hunting and family. Hugs to the family, as he will truly be missed by his family and many friends. Sending our condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Uncle Carl! Kirk & Ann Will
Rob and Sherri Schneidt says
Our condolences and prayers to all of Carl’s family.
Muriel Selk says
To Carl’s family. My thughts and prayers are with you at this difficuly time.
Randy Lancaster says
So sorry to hear this. Condolenses to the whole family
Ron Watts says
Such a great man! I purchased at least 2 vehicles from him at Auto Electric years ago!!
Diana and Carl Chalupsky (Barnett) says
My Uncle Carl was a very big part of our lives. He was always there to help our mother, Margaret, whenever she needed him. She used to always make sure she had a beer in the refrigerator if she thought he was coming over. My sisters and I have always thought of him as a father figure (partly because we lost our own father at a young age)–complete with him giving each of us away at our weddings. I loved to hear his stories that seemed to grow with each telling of them. I’m so sorry not to have visited with him in many years and it’ll be hard knowing he’s not there the next time I’m in Miles City. May he rest in peace knowing how many lives he’s touched.
Joe and Jackie Schneidt says
Cousin Carl you will be missed.
You always gave people a helping hand.
Jackie’s dad always liked visiting with you,the stories you two told made us all laugh.
Timothy Wayne Wagoner says
Carl, “Papa Smurf”, was a favorite of mine. We called him Papa Smurf because he always wore those blue overalls. I used to stop and see him a lot. Occasionally, he would see me driving down the road and flag me into the shop. He would give me parts for my 67 Mustang and not allow me to pay for them. He always called me hotdog because he would see me at M & H buying their hotdogs. So many fond memories of him. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family.
Tia Aye-Schell says
We will miss Carl at the VA CLC! It was an honor caring for him, for the duration spent. I will miss his laugh and his short stories he was able to tell. May he rest in peace.
Kevin Malley says
Outstanding gentleman. I bought a car and a pickup from him at Auto Electric, and he made sure they were quality vehicles. I was just a high school kid back then and I much appreciated him treating me as an adult. God Bless you.
Kevin Malley says
Outstanding gentleman. I purchased a car and a pickup from Auto Electric back when I was a kid in high school. He made sure I had dependable vehicles, and treated me fairly. God Bless you and I always considered you a friend.
Archie and Bonnie LaRoque says
Sorry to hear about Carl passing. Prayers.
mark nielsen says
Lonnie Randy and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I can’t tell you how many cars my parents and I bought from him, I will always remember him in his Bibbs and his cigar, every time I got stuck trying to fix one of my many cars, I went to him for advice, he always helped me figure it out, prayers to the whole family,
Vickie Davidson says
I enjoyed seeing Carl so much at the CLC when I would go see my dad there who recently passed away at the VA community living center. Carl was so sweet and special. I miss seeing the residents and wonderful staff that take care of everyone
Vern and Katy Harbaugh says
To all of Carl’s family : Vern and I miss the older days when we saw Carl out and about and he would stop and visit. Hope he and Pansy are now visiting with Birney and Liz and sharing stories of the best times. May your many memories keep you at this time.
Vern and Katy Harbaugh
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Laurie Paladichuk says
Lonnie and Diane,
Carl was always so nice to me and my family. He reminded me so much of my dad–same generation, same hardworking personality, same heart of gold. I know Heaven is a better place due to his presence.
Lori Clark says
Carl was an amazing man. I got to hear your stories and u loved them so. I will miss you my friend. Condolences family and friends. 🙏