Delroy "Del" Schmidt

Del Schmidt, 78, of Great Falls, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, April 28, 2017 of natural causes.A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Lutheran Church.Del was born September 4, 1938 in Parkers Prairie, MN. He graduated from Bemidji State University with a teaching degree and came to Great Falls in 1962 where he taught for 32 years. He was well-liked by colleagues, students, and athletes and continued to see former students who remember his tough, but fair teaching style. He coached football, wrestling, and track during his career, as well as Little League softball and Meadow Gold basketball. After retiring, he helped his brother-in-law, Ralph Follinglo, remodel and build houses, and he took on odd jobs for people who knew of his meticulous craftsmanship and work ethic.Del enjoyed coffee and lunch groups with friends, skiing at Showdown, pretending to like golf, woodworking, playing cards, spending time with his family, traveling, camping, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, FISH, and Ys Mens. He was an active member and leader at New Hope Lutheran and was often doing projects to improve the building. An avid gardener, he had the vegetables in the ground every spring, even continuing to attempt corn as any Minnesotan would do. He became a true Montanan: referring to driving distance in hours and making the annual trip to Glacier. He is best remembered for his strong faith, good-natured personality, generous spirit, and hearty laugh.His laugh was most prominent when he was listening to other peoples stories. Though he didnt often talk about himself, when he did, it was usually a story that gave others a chuckle. Whether it was the story of getting his front teeth knocked out in a bare-knuckle boxing match with his brother when he was a teenager or piling cornstalks in front of the entrance to his one-room schoolhouse so school was cancelled, he always brought laughter to a room.Del was proudly married to Trudi for 49 years and they had two children, Todd and Anne. Anytime the weather permitted, he could be found outside with them playing catch, shooting baskets, or playing any other sport. He enjoyed watching his grandson, Colton, grow up and often wrestled with him, enjoying a little boy to roughhouse with again. He and sister-in-law Bev Follinglo had a close friendship, especially because they increased the German ratio at family gatherings.Del is survived by his wife Trudi of Great Falls; son Todd of Kalispell; daughter Anne (Matthew Holbrook) of Poulsbo, WA; exchange student Francisco Pancho Larrea (Margarita) of Mexico City; grandson Colton of Kalispell; and siblings Ardine, Marvin, and Delmer.He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings.The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Dr. Addisons and Dr. Guters offices and both hospitals. Del received outstanding, compassionate care from all the doctors and nurses who treated his rare condition and kept him comfortable through it all.In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to New Hope Lutheran Church, 3125 5th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.