Edward E. Schmidt

August 8, 1924 – November 18, 2021

Edward Schmidt, age 97, of Hazelton, ND passed away at Baptist Health Care Center on November 18, 2021. A special thanks to BHCC staff for the exceptional care given to our beloved father.

Edward (a.k.a. Ed or Eddy) Ernst Schmidt was born on August 8, 1924, in Pierre, SD to parents Rudolf and Paulina (Ruprecht) Schmidt.  Edward grew up in the Pierre, Bismarck and Hazelton areas and graduated from Hazelton High School in 1942.  He attended North Dakota State University (NDSU) majoring in chemical engineering.  In 1943, Edward enlisted in the United State Army Air Force, served 34 months, and flew 50 missions as a bombardier/navigator in World War II.  Edward was a 1 ^st Lieutenant assigned to the 465 ^th Heavy Bomb Group, flying 9 bomb missions in Europe.  His group was so successful that they were reassigned to flying 41 secret missions for the Office of Strategic Services - which later became the CIA.  Edward wrote many WWII stories which were printed in the Hazelton Newsletter and the Emmons County Record.

In 1945 Edward bought land NW of Hazelton, right next to his brother Henry.  The 'bachelor brothers' even went on a double date together with two bank tellers.  It was on this date that Edward found his future wife, Arley Beastrom.  They were married on June 23, 1948.  Edward and Arley were blessed with nine children, all were fine rock pickers.

Edward was a successful farmer and rancher, he enjoyed reading and was a lifelong learner by completing continuing education classes in various topics - some of which were cutting edge for the times. He was very proud to include his sons in his farming and ranching businesses.  In 1998, Edward and his sons, John and Mark, were presented the NDSU Harvest Bowl Award, an annual award that recognizes the success, dedication and hard work of outstanding agriculturists.

He was an excellent steward of the land by planting over 47,000 trees, not only on his farmland, but in the town of Hazelton and at the Hazelton RV Park on the Missouri River.  In his retirement he enjoyed catching walleye, trail riding, hunting trips, and watching the Medora Musical.

Edward was a great role model for his family and community by being a kind, honest, and generous man with a strong work ethic. He was a longtime, participating member of the American Legion and the Hazelton Lions Club.

Grateful for having shared his life are his nine children (and their spouses): Tom (Vicky) Schmidt, Paul Schmidt, Nancy (Reed) Schnabel, Pam (Fred) Lacuesta, Mary Sybrant, John (Cindy) Schmidt, Mark (Lori) Schmidt, Beth (John) Cyganiewicz, and Jeanne (Kyle) Frappier; his 17 grandchildren; and his 24 great-grandchildren.

Edward is preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, his wife, Arley, and son, Paul.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 26 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 3:30 pm, both at St. Paul Catholic Church, Hazelton, ND.  A 4:30 pm burial, with military honors, will be at St. Paul's Catholic Cemetery.  The family will host supper at 5:00 pm at the HMB School.  Myers Funeral Home of Linton will be live streaming the funeral  service - go to www.myersfh.com .

Memorial donations, made in Edward's honor, may be made by sending check or money order to: H-M-B Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 407, Hazelton, ND 58544