Cordell Schmidt

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Cordell Wayne Schmidt, 62, Mandan, passed away April 9, 2021 at a group home where he resided. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 16 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. Lisa Ahlness officiating. Visitation will begin one-hour prior at the funeral home. A service livestream will be available on the funeral home’s website, listed below.

Burial will be held at Petersville Cemetery, north of Pettibone.

Cordell was born January 3, 1959 in Jamestown to Harry and Lois (Ziesch) Schmidt. He spent his early years on a farm north of Lake Williams. In 1962 he was admitted to the Grafton State School. In 1973 he attended the School for the Blind in Grand Forks where he graduated in 1981. He moved to Bismarck in 1983 and participated in various programs operated by Pride, Inc. He worked on several crews that cleaned hotels, bars and the federal building. When he started suffering from dementia, he moved to a group home in Mandan operated by Enable, Inc., and lived there until his death.

He enjoyed listening to music, playing his harmonica, attending church activities, celebrating holidays and birthdays and visiting with family and friends in person and on the phone. He lived a full, happy life even though he had Down Syndrome, lost his sight and suffered from dementia.

Cordell is survived by his father, Harry Schmidt, Steele; brothers, Norlyn (Patsy) Schmidt, Bismarck, Loren (Lavon) Schmidt, Gilbert, Ariz., and Darnell (Denise) Schmidt, Steele; sisters, Doreen Albohm, Jamestown, Sheila (Steve) Tschider, Lake Isabel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois; brothers-in-law, Blayne Eggleston and John Albohm; and one niece and nephew.

The family would like to express a special appreciation to the staff of Pride, Inc., and Enable, Inc., for the care and services they provided which greatly enhanced Cordell’s life.