Lucas Schmidt

Lucas “Luke” “Lukey” Schmidt, 75, Bismarck, passed away on September 22, 2024, surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, September 30, at The Sanctuary, 2630 E Ave A, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 PM, with sharing of memories starting at 7:00 PM, Sunday, September 29, at The Sanctuary, 2630 E Ave A, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Luke was born on May 3, 1949, to Jack and Katie Schmidt in Mandan Hospital and lived on the family farm in Odense, ND. Six months after he was born a house fire caused his family to move into Uncle Joe’s farm (formerly Grandpa Fleck’s homestead). When Luke was 3 years old his parents moved the family to Mandan where he spent most of his childhood. During that time, he instilled a deep connection with his extended family and earned him the moniker “Lukey” from his cousins. Luke attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Mandan High School in 1967.

He entered the Vietnam war arena in 1968 and went on to study at DSU then University of Mary earning a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. His degree and sense of organization led him to becoming the Program Administer of the North Dakota Job Corps Program, a career in Job Service he thrived in before retiring in May of 2003.

He met the love of his life, Paulette “Paula” Braun and married her on September 6, 1974. They had two children Damon and Sarah, who were intentionally born during football season so he could share their birthday celebrations with Sunday football games thereafter.

Luke thoroughly enjoyed collecting various items from rare or unique coins, to his extensive volumes of National Geographic; however, his most prized collection was the treasured memories he made with his family. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed their time together, particularly over holidays and extended family trips. Luke was very funny, with a fun dry humor that turned mundane situations in to joyous occasions. He loved animals (especially his family pets), enjoyed fishing and golfing and took his naps seriously.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Damon (Heather) Schmidt, Sarah Schmidt; and his grandchild Samuel who was his pride and joy; brother, Casper Schmidt; sister, Lori Joersz; and many nieces and nephews.

Luke was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Cece Dunaway; and brother-in-law, Paul Joersz.