Ronald Arthur Schmidt passed into our Lord’s hands on August 10, 2024, at St Alphnosus Hospital in Boise, ID after a courageous battle with cancer. Being the patriot he was, he always took pride that he was born on “Flag Day” June 14, 1944, in Williston, ND. Son of Cyril and Sylvia Schmidt, he grew up in Williston, ND and graduated in Minot, ND. After graduating he decided to go West young man, go West. Landing in Renton, WA and eventually Hermiston, OR where he started a career with Simplot, again having him on the move, eventually to Grand Forks, ND where he met the “love of his life” Deb and married for 26 years, never seeing one without the other and later settling in Caldwell, ID.
Ron was a special, caring person and protector of his family. He would share his wisdom and insight on anything you asked him about. He was a “MacGyver,” fixing anything that needed fixing. His specialty after retiring was building computer towers from scratch and sharing them with others including students. His dry sense of humor could have everyone laughing. He loved checking out new casinos or revisiting those he enjoyed, but he always had his “limit”.
Ron also had a passion for cars! Old or new and loved restoring them, one of his favorites was his “hot rod” pickup that he even allowed his younger sister to drive!
Ron is survived by his wife Deb, children Shane (Kim) Schmidt from Hermiston, OR, Shyla (Jason) Johnson from Albany, OR , Brad (Darcy) Huebner from Parshall, ND, Chad (Sharon) Huebner from Grand Forks, ND, Ross (Kjersten) Huebner, from Grand Forks, ND and sisters, Sharon (Jim) Moline of Williston, ND, Donna Strand of Goodyear, AZ and sister-in-law Darlene McRitchie of Lisbon, ND many nieces and nephews, 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Sylvia Schmidt, sister Karen DeAnn Beeks and brother David Schmidt, sisters-in-law Donna (Hagen) and Dorothy (Belling).
We will all miss Ron dearly as he truly was a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother.
“Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear. Today and always.”
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service planned for a later date.