Richard "Rick" Schmidt

Richard “Rick” J. Schmidt, 78, of Shelby, passed peacefully on March 22, 2022 at Benefis Healthcare surrounded by family.

Rick was born May 26, 1943 to John “Jack” and Rosalia Schmidt in Minot, North Dakota.

In 1965 at the age of 17, Rick joined the US Army Reserves and was later activated into Army active duty and stationed in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1967. While in the service he earned a National Defense medal for being active duty during time of war. Rick was a radioman when in the Army.

Before entering the Army, Rick was a truck driver. He resumed driving truck after being discharged.

He moved to Montana to continue his truck driving career and retired in 2019. Rick drove for numerous companies. A few main companies were Getter Trucking, Black Hills, and Dick Irvin in Shelby, where he worked until retirement.

Rick met Sandie Byers Schmidt in 1976 and they were together 43 years until her death in 2019. When driving his Ranchero or Sandie’s suburban Rick still drove like he was driving truck, never wanting to stop. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially hunting by the Sweet Grass hills.

He loved taking the kids for a drive. Rick would let them drive his car, sometimes getting into trouble.

Survivors include daughter, Sandy (Jim) Sturges Brandt; granddaughters, Majesta Thorndike, Desiree Brandt, and Samantha Brandt; great grandchildren, Carson Gibson, Harper Kelley, and a new one due May 2022; grandson, TJ (Maggie) Harshbarger and their son, Brandon; brother, Harley Schmidt of Minot, North Dakota; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his faithful dog ever loving side-kick, Chloe, who could always be seen in his, “her”, truck waiting for their trip to Clark’s Family Restaurant to get her daily bacon breakfast or her daily trip to the Shelby airport or fairgrounds to go for a run.

He is preceded in death by wife, Sandie Schmidt; parents; sister, Thelva Harris; and brothers, Merlyn and Lonnie.

Services with military honors will be Tuesday, March 29, at 11:00 AM at Whitted Funeral Chapel Shelby.

A reception at Clark’s Family Restaurant will follow service.