The funeral for Ray Schmidt will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Napoleon at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be Monday, March 31, 2014 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Napoleon, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the church. Burial will be in the St. Philip Neri Cemetery, Napoleon.

Ray Schmidt was born on March 21, 1936 southwest of Napoleon on the family farm. Ray is the son of the late Anton J. and Elizabeth Schmidt. Ray attended a rural country school and lived on the family farm until age 21. He then moved into Napoleon in 1957, where he took a job at the local Farmers Union Oil Company as the fuel truck delivery person for 20 years. In 1977 Ray was promoted to the position of general manager of the Napoleon and Wishek Farmers Union Oil Co. He held this position for the next 30 years, until retiring in 2007. In June 1958 Ray married his "sweetheart" Helen (Gross) Schmidt at the Napoleon St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Ray often told his kids and grandchildren that he knew Helen was "the one" the moment he met her. Ray and Helen formed a band and entertained together for many years. As they shared their gift of music with their three children, they began to entertain along with them, forming the Schmidt Family Band. The family began traveling and entertaining together across the tri state area for approximately 10 years. They performed for weddings, anniversaries, nursing homes and many charity events. Once the children all left home, Ray and Helen continued to volunteer their time for their Church and many fundraising functions to support their hometown of Napoleon. Ray has served on various boards and organizations; including the Knights of Columbus, Wildlife Club, Napoleon Business Association, Farmers Union Managers Association, Napoleon Country Club, Napoleon School Advisory Board, and Napoleon Lions Club. Ray was named Honorary Chapter Leader of the Napoleon FFA organization, and the church council for St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Ray was inducted into the Dakota Musicians Association Hall of Fame in 2005. Ray's family meant the world to him, as he did to them. He will be remembered for his patience, compassion and love for the Lord. The love he had in his heart touched everyone he came in contact with. He was an amazing, Christian husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all.

Ray went to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven on March 29, 2014 at St. Alexius Medical Center. He was 78 years old.

Ray is survived by his wife Helen, his three children Joey (Jessie) Schmidt of Nashville, Ellene (Keith) Lang of Bismarck, and Jolinda (Kelly) Murphy of Missoula; Three brothers and one sister; Pete and the late (Lizzie) Schmidt of Napoleon, Leo (Idora) Schmidt of Hazelton, Pius (Veronica) Schmidt of Napoleon, Theresia and the late (John) Doll of Napoleon; Eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents Anton J. and Elizabeth Schmidt, his brothers, John and Valentine, and sisters Julia (Doll) and Frances (Volk). Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com . Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Napoleon, ND entrusted with arrangements.