Ray and Marie Schmidt
Raymond Schmidt, Sr., ended his busy 90 years on Jan. 3, 2013, following a brief illness. His wife, Marie, 89, passed a mere 85 hours later on Jan. 7, also after a short illness. Former residents of Dickinson, N.D., and Miles City and Laurel, Mont., Ray and Marie left us as they had wished—in their own home in Richland, Wash., in the presence of their loving family.
Ray
Ray was born on the plains of North Dakota to George and Barbara Schmidt on June 17, 1922. His early years were spent on the family farm near Fayette, N.D., and he remained a farmer at heart for the rest of his life. Due to economic conditions, his formal education ended with his 8th-grade year. He nonetheless remained an avid learner throughout his life and was self-taught in many areas. He often said he was an honor graduate of the finest university available: The School of Hard Knocks. In his youth, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helping to build Roosevelt National Park in Western North Dakota.
Ray met his wife at the age of 14 in a friendly showdown in which she became a regional spelling-bee champion. She so impressed him at the bee that he tracked her down years later by buying a newspaper ad seeking her whereabouts. They married June 4, 1946, and began a faithful 66-year journey through richer, poorer, sickness, and health.
Before moving to Montana in 1964, to own and operate Dairy Queens and other restaurants, Ray worked as a mail carrier and a master carpenter. In Miles City, he belonged to the Knights of Columbus and was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City.
Ray was an accomplished, self-taught accordionist who played by ear. Music was one of the great joys of his life. He played his first gig at age 10 and played with a number of bands thereafter. He continued to play for his own enjoyment throughout his life. After suffering a stroke this past Christmas morning, Ray had difficultly talking, reading, and writing, but he could still play the accordion.
An accomplished woodcraftsman, Ray was often found in his carpenter’s apron, liberally sprinkled with sawdust, whistling away as he measured, sawed and nailed. He was a friendly man of great wit and humor and a natural storyteller. In 2010 he wrote his memoirs as a Christmas gift to his family, which he recently published digitally on Amazon.com under the title From the Farm to Fast Food: My Adventures During the Great Depression and Beyond. Ironically the print version of the book became available on Amazon the morning following his passing.
Marie
Marie was the eldest daughter of Barbara and Frank Commes. She was born April 12, 1923, in Richardton, N.D. In her youth, she attended Assumption Abbey in Richardton, and was a devout Catholic her entire life.
Marie was good at everything she set her mind to. She was the first person in her family to attend college, graduated with a teaching degree, and taught at a number of country schools in Western North Dakota. She was such a gifted, exceptional teacher that she was assigned to the schools with the “toughest customers” (kids), for which she was paid a premium (hazard pay, of sorts). Marie immediately put all of them on the path to learning and good citizenship.
Marie was also good at cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, crocheting, quilting, and—last but not least—raising her and Ray’s children. She and Ray eventually had eight of them join them for their journey. Although Ray had gone to the “School of Hard Knocks,” she was determined they send all of their children to college, which they did.
Marie worked tirelessly by Ray’s side farming and in the restaurant business. She was also a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In her retirement, she was a member of the parish’s altar society. She looked after neighbors when they were elderly and cared for her mother in her later years.
Survivors and Family
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Marian and Magdalen and his brothers Jerome and Philip. The patriarch of a large close-knit family, he and Marie will be missed by Ray’s surviving sisters and brothers and their spouses: Rose (John) Anderson, Tillie Mullen, Jenny (George) Rice, Roselle Schmidt, Florian Schmidt, Andy (Joan) Schmidt, George (Liz) Schmidt, and Matt (Maria) Schmidt.
Marie was preceded in death by husband, her parents, and sisters and brothers Rosalie Heagle, Evelyn Samson, Kathleen Gleich, Norbert Commes, and Frank Commes, Jr. She and Ray will be missed by Marie’s surviving sister, Ramona Ames, and her husband, Robert, of Goldsboro, N.C.; and their brother-in-law Pius Gleich of Helena, Mont.
Both Ray and Marie are survived by their children: Ray (Terri) Schmidt of Miles City, Mont.; Cindy (Kevin) Klein, Mary (Steven) Kincaid, and Julie (Nick) Grubich of the Tri-Cities in Washington state; Rita Atkinson of Laurel, Mont.; Lucy (Dana) Kruse of Seattle, Wash.; Tom (Penny) Schmidt of Lompoc, Calif.; and Amy (Mike) Ray of Fort Worth, Texas. Ray and Marie are also survived by 16 much-loved grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and will be remembered by a host of friends and extended family members.
Theirs were lives well and fully lived. Godspeed Dad/Gramps. Since Mom/Grandma did not drive, we trust you safely chauffeured her to heaven.
Services
Per their request, no funeral services will be held for Ray and Marie. Eventually they will be interred in a small country cemetery on the North Dakota plains they loved so much. Any donations you wish to send can be made out to the benefit of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Or, in lieu of donations, simply do something today for someone in need in Ray and Marie’s honor.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Kathie Davis says
Uncle Ray and Aunt Marie, your memories of devotion and love to each other will be remembered always. We will miss you both, but are comforted to know you are both together with the Lord up above. Say hi to mom for us please. I know you are both watching over us because I got a video of my grandson singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” minutes after reading the e-mail of Aunt Marie passing. LOVE AND HUGS, your niece, Kathie.
David and Danette Olguin says
Ray, Terri and family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom and Dad and can only imagine the grief you are feeling. It is hard to loose a parent but to loose both at once has to be difficult. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this time and may Gods grace comfort you all.
Brooke Frieboes says
Beautifully written. In life together and now in Heaven together. Truly spending every moment together. Prayers and blessings for your family. Their stories are definitely inspiring and will be lived on through their children and grandchildren.
Denise Oberlander Harvey says
What a sweet couple and how tender to hear of how their love for each other can now endure for eternity. So peaceful to know Ray did chauffeur his beloved home to heaven. I had the joy of purchasing and reading the lovely story about their journey from the farm to fast food. It was a book I could not put down until I finished it. It was such a beautiful story that I found a perfect place in my classroom curriculum to read some of the story to my students. Ray and Marie loved others and their care was reflected so preciously in the story. It was also a character lesson about hard work and compassion. I will continue to share this story with students for years to come and I will always be privileged to say I was taught by the wonderful example of this couple and their family. We are a better community and better people for having known and loved this cherished couple.
Kay Carlson says
To the Schmidt family,
Your loss is felt by many. Ray and Marie touched so many lives with their kindness. I remember being very young and being allowed to go to the window at the Dairy Queen to order for myself. Ray stood at the counter and said “And what can I get for you Miss Carlson?” Always with a big smile. Marie was always making sure things were running smoothly. I am so happy I bought Ray’s book last year and read it. I always knew he was special but the book let me see just how amazing both Ray and Marie were. I know they’ll leave big holes in your hearts but I can see them happily walking hand in hand on the other side. Blessings to you, as Ray and Marie blessed my life.
Deb Bartholomew says
Ray, Terri and Families,
I was saddened to hear the of loss of your parents. They both were exceptional people. They will truly be missed. Always remember “When a Loss Becomes a Memory that Memory Becomes a Treasure”. They will always a Treasure in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary Buresh says
Ray, Terri and the rest of the clan,
Our condolences on the loss of your parents. Most of my memories of Miles City and that of my brothers and sisters include trips to the Dairy Queen and your folks were always there, always smiling. Our thoughts and prayers are wth you.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Schmidt Family,
What a beautifully written story about Ray and Marie. What wonderful people they both were and their story reflects that in so many ways. My heart goes out to all of you and may your memories help you through this time of sorrow. I can still remember them behind the counter at the Dairy Queen and how kind and pleasant they always were. May God’s blessings be upon you all!
Jim & Donna Brady says
Ray, Terri and Family
We are saddened to receive the news of the passing of your parents. Our thoughts and condo lances to you for your loss. They were fine people and our lives were enriched by the opportunity to know them.
Jim & Donna
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Ray, Terri and family,
How saddened I was to hear of Ray and Marie’s passing. I have many fond memories of them and have missed seeing them. Our hearts go out to all of you, I am so glad you have many memories to treasure. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Blessings to you all.
Bryan and Janel Larson says
Ray, Terri and family-
Sorry to hear of the passing of Ray and Marie. Thoughts and prayers with all.
Teeny (Wells) McMunn says
So many memories of my childhood was around the Dairy Queen. That was THE PLACE to go to for a treat. To this day, I buy Dilly Bars and remember Miles City, tho the prices certainly have gone up. WE used to get them 12 for $1:))
I also have the book on my tablet and enjoyed reading it.
May they rest in peace, knowing they made a difference while on this earth.
Pamela Prichard says
Two lives well lived and a good example for the following generations!
Donna Makelky Smith says
Mary and all the Schmidt Family
I was so sorry to hear of your great loss. Your parents were great people. I still think of them as they were back in our high school years….so long ago. They always made me feel welcome. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gary and Barbara Shipman says
Dear Mary and CO.
Sorry to hear of your parents passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Gary and Barbara
Jill Petro Stenberg says
To the Schmidt family…..I am so sorry to hear of your parent’s passing. I have fond memories of them from when I was hanging out with Amy at your home. Prayers to you all.
Megan (Berg) King says
What a beautiful love story. God bless you all during this sad time.
Bobbi (Ponke) Haugen says
I don’t need to tell all of you how much they both meant to me. Not 4 weeks ago, Ray had written on my Facebook wall! I trust they are at home together, in heaven, and I look forward to seeing them again some day.
Wayne and Carola Moline says
Ray and Maries Family. We live in your old house in Miles City, so we have some interesting things to remind us of all of you. We were saddened when the newer house on the opposite corner burned down, and now we are saddened to hear of Ray and Maries death, you had the special priviledge of having good parents, good memories, and good times together, as in all big families. please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all, and may the days ahead find you consoling one another with good memories too. Wayne and Carola Moline.
Kimber Gebhardt says
Ray and Terri,
I have some good memories of Ray coming in to Munchies to help out with a project or two. He was always very nice and had a great sense of humor. I am so sorry for the loss of your parents. I am thankful that they were able to make the trip together. Thoughts and prayers to all of you!
Joan Damm Smith says
Schmidt family,
May all the good memories keep a smile and laugh in your hearts.
I have wonderful memories of them and the DQ..(the best BBQ sandwich ever)…And the times in the old neighborhood were the best growing up too!!!
They are together forever and that must be so very comforting for you all.
God Bless, Chelcey and Joan Smith
B Dean Holmes says
I’ll never forget my early days at KATL. I was ad rep and would stop in at the DQ and not do much selling by rather a lot of visiting. I loved your mom and dad, grandma and grandpa. When I ran for Mayor, Ray bought me a full page ad in the news paper. I also remember the many times I stoped at the DQ store in Laurel on the way to Livinston. What a blessing to have known both.
Cherie LeBlanc says
Prayers and Hugs to all of you. Your parents were wonderful, kind and beautiful people. May many blessings continue on in your family from the teachings you have learned from your amazing talented parents. Gods Blessings to all of you.
Sandy Anderson says
To the Schmidt Family. We are so sorry to hear of your parents. We all have such great memories of your parents and they were such a positive influence on so many kids. That says so much about them as parents and people of our community. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
Marie was always so sweet to everyone, and Ray so enjoyed not only those “DQ Dollies” but also his customers. Miles City missed them when they moved, and we will continue to miss them. My prayer is for your healing hearts. Take care, Shannon Halsey-Holmen
peggy klein says
I had just finished Ray’s book this past week……bought a new Kindle and it was one of the first books I read on there and was so surprised to find them “local folks”….such a good read! I didn’t know they personally, but felt I did after reading the book. What a wonderful story! You, the family, can be so proud your legacy of history will live on. So, rather shocking to find the obit this morning……my sincere condolences out to all of the family.
Bernard and Charlotte Ficek says
To all my Schmidt Cousins:
Where do I began to remember these two wonderful people. Uncle Ray actually scared me a little when I was younger, but as we grew older I looked up to him as a man with whom you could be very comfortable with. Aunt Marie, I don’t think there was a more gentle soul in the world. We had good times and we had sad times together, but the good times will always be in my heart. God Bless each one of you. Now mom, uncle Jerome, Aunt Lynn and all those wonderful Schmidts can dance to Uncle Ray playing the accordian. I hope Uncle Ray will be at the pearly gates to meet me with that accordian some fine day. God be with you all.
Murvin Brown says
To the Schmidt family,
Were sorry for your lose. I worked with Ray on many projects. to include the old Dairy Queen, and many foundation around town that Ray had built. I have known them for many many years and are good people.
Murvin Brown and boys
val thome says
I was sorry to hear of the loss of Ray and Marie. They were both wonderful people. I loved working for them at Munchies. They will both greatly be missed.
Our thoughts are with the Schmidt family.
Valerie Stone Thome
JUDY SWEENEY WOLFE says
I was so sad to read in the Miles City Star of Ray and Marie passing. What a great couple your parents were. We all have great memories of them at the DQ. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Duane Schmidt says
Sorry to hear about your mom and dad. Good down to earth people. take care
Mel Allen- Peterson and Chris Choate says
What a tribute to your wonderful parents! They raised a great bunch of kids, and were such an important part of our Sacred Heart Community! We are saddened to hear of their passing, and send love and prayers to all of you. We have great memories of both DQ and Munchies with them and you.
Mel Allen-Peterson, and Chris Choate
Kathi (Rooney) Pfeifle says
Ray and Terri,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful parents. I remember going to the Dairy Queen when I was young and seeing Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt. They were always so nice and made you feel like you were home.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Chris (Berg) Ulrich says
My heart goes out to your whole family at this difficult time. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt were the “heart” of the DQ and influenced our lives way beyond DQ days. I have fond memories of working next to Mr. Schmidt dressing burgers and listening to his stories while Mrs. Schmidt was scurrying in the back room making her infamous borscht. Also, cant forget those busy rush hour lunches with Lucy and all the great fun in between. Many thanks to your whole family and God Bless you all!
Linda Polich says
Ray, Terri, and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Your parents were such good people. They will be remembered in a positive way and you are the “positives” they left behind!
With love and prayers,
Linda
Bill & Karen (Curran) Dutton says
Ray & Terri and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. The write up was very good. Your folks knew so many kids and had time to chat. They were such a big part of the Miles City community and touched so many lives positively. Cherish all of your memories. Once again what a wonderful couple.
With much sympathy and prayers,
Karen
Sharon Gaughan says
Julie and The Schmidt family,
So sorry for the loss of your parents. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. As so many have already mentioned above, you couldn’t have grown up in Miles City and not be touched by all the love and goodness served by the DQ!
Mary Kay Jaeger says
Dear Mary and siblings,
I was saddened beyond words to learn of the loss of both your parents, who will always be an indelible part of my childhood. The memories we share as childhood friends, schoolmates and closest Fayette neighbors are very dear to me; Marie bustling busily about the Fayette stone house kitchen, and Ray loading us up in his Jeep for the bumpy, frozen ride to our country school.
It was a pleasure to renew contact with your Dad after his first book was published, and I so enjoyed his letters with stories of his and my father’s childhood.
Our family will miss his entertaining Christmas letters very much, and just knowing they were there, remembering, like us, the Fayette community we used to call home.
With deepest sympathies from the Tony Jaeger family.
Mary Kay
Mark Schmidt says
Schmidt Cousins,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to spend much time with Uncle Ray and Aunt Marie…..one of the highlights of any family gathering was listening to Uncle Ray’s stories. His annual Christmas letter to Mom and Dad (Uncle Andy and Aunt Joan) was always read and shared with us kids……..producing many chuckles! (Including the one he penned just a few short weeks ago.) I will miss those letters.
I recently read his book and realized just where my dad gets his sense of humor…….but Uncle Ray had him beat! Your parents were a great influence on the rest of the family and I think of them, Grandma and Grandpa Schmidt, and my parents whenever I look at a picture of the “Honeymoon Cottage” they all called “home” at some point in their lives. Both your parents will be greatly missed. Peaceful Rest to them……
Arnie and Carol Gulka says
Dear Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Uncle Raymond and Aunt Marie.
How great their love for each other must have been to go to Heaven together.
I have many memories of them growing up. They lived a long and productive life.
We pray that you all find comfort in your memories of them. In memory of their love for learning a donation will be given in their memory to Carol’s school and a copy of Uncle Ray’s book will be put in St. Catherine’s School library in Valley City, ND. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Love and prayers,
Arnie and Carol Gulka
Mary Petro McClarty says
Dear Schmidt Family-
Thoughts and prayers to all of you – many fond memories of your parents and family.
Mary
Cathy Hall Emerson says
Schmidt family: What a beautiful story of how your father pursued your mother,in tune to the very end. I have many fond memories of the Dairy Queen and how your parents treated each individual with the equal amount of respect ,courtesy and kindness. It didn’t matter what your age or economic background you were just as important as the next customer to them. I feel that this played a role in their success. They worked hard and kept that place clean, My prayers go out to you all.
Treba Hollowell says
Dear Amy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your wonderful parents passing. They have touched so many lives in such a postitive way! I think of them fondly!
Stephanie Leidholt Thomason says
My condolences go out to the family of Ray Sr & Marie Schmidt. I just wanted to let you know how important Ray & Marie were to me & to other High School employees of the 70’s, the “DQ Guys & Dollies” of Sacred Heart & Custer County. They so graciously taught me work & life skills that would follow me throughout my adult life. For me the Dairy Queen was my first real job, I have fond memories of Mrs Schmidt playing store to train me in giving change back correctly & efficiently…& Mr Schmidt with his smirk & quick wit would always call the hamburger buns “Stephanie seed buns.” They treated all their employees with respect & fostered confidence in each & everyone of us. There would be no need for customer service training in the work place today if more leaders were role models like Ray & Marie. I have no doubt, with great hospitality, that Ray & Marie are serving up soft serve ice cream cones to the “Heavenly Hosts” with perfect curls on top! Thanks Ray & Marie
Diane Connors Rewerts says
Dear Schmidt Clan,
Reading your parents’ obituaries brought back a lot of wonderful memories. They were great people and I’ll always remember them fondly.
Diane Connors Rewerts
Courtney Brush says
Ray & Terri,
I am thinking of you both and pray that the memories that you hold onto make this time easier. Your parents sound like they must have been incredible people. It would be interesting to read the stories of Ray’s dad and see where Ray gets all that personality from. 🙂 Love and miss you guys so much!
Samantha Brush says
Ray and Terri,
I’m so sorry to hear about your lose. I have been thinking about you both this past week and pray that you are doing well. Your parents sound like incredible people, I know where you get it from. Love you both and hope you are doing well! Miss you both!
Julie Schmidt says
You have been there through so much, touch so many lives, I just want to say that I am so glad I have the privilege of saying I am your child. No greater gift will I ever know. I love and miss you so much. Julie
Lana and Bill Sweeney says
Ray, Terri, Rita, Mike and family,
We were so sorry to learn of Ray Sr and Marie’s passing, and want the entire Schmidt clan to know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through the difficult time that follows the loss of parents.
Mary Masterson says
I personally did not know your family but I was reading the obits and came across your family members. I was brought to tears by the write up and felt that whoever wrote this up deserves a hug if nothing else. What wonderful people they were……my condolences to your family…
Dorthy Ley says
Many fond memories of them in the Dairy Queen, & also Ray playing his accordion. Fond memories of them both.
Gary Coffrin says
It is with sadness that I learn that Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt died. To their eight outstanding adult children, I express sorrow over your loss. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt made people feel welcome in their business and in their home. They were of my parents’ generation, and when I was growing up I thought they were simply great. I appreciated their graciousness and willingness to chat with young people. I hope that memories of Ray and Marie are a comfort to each of their adult children.