Please click on the video tribute below to view Rod's memorial mass and burial services.

Roderick (Rod) Simon Schmidt, 82, of Halstad, MN, sadly and unexpectedly passed away in the early morning hours of January 8, 2025, at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. He was a husband to a strong and loyal wife, proud father of three good men, and grandfather of four loving grandchildren.

Rod was born in Rugby, ND in 1942, to Simon Sebastian Schmidt and Madeline Schmidt (née Geisinger). After graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy, then, following his honorable discharge, he attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.

Rod worked briefly at Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX, before moving back to Rugby to work as an Electrician's Assistant. He met his future wife, Theresa Brossart, at this time, and they were married on October 20, 1972.

Rod was offered a job at Hastad Engineering in Halstad, MN, where he and his young wife moved in 1973. It was in Halstad that they built a home, started a family, and lived a full life together.

His hobbies included reading and collecting stamps, coins, and books, especially science fiction; assembling model airplanes; designing and building DIY electronics projects; and researching his family tree.

Rod is survived by his loving wife, Theresa (Terri) Schmidt, Halstad, MN; sons, Roderick (Rod) Schmidt II, Pleasant View, TN, John Schmidt, Fargo, ND, and Jeffery (Jeff) Schmidt, Halstad, MN; grandsons, Gabriel, Michael, Noah and Samuel Schmidt, all of Pleasant View, TN; stepsisters, Annette (Emery) Mears, Rolla, ND, Pat Opstad, Minneapolis, MN, Judi Carr, Morris, MN, Jackie (Dan) Jacobson, Arnold, MD, Sharon (Galen) Vaa, Moorhead, MN, and Janelle (Al) Jacobson, Rugby, ND; stepbrother, Dale (Kris) Wangler, Rugby, ND; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Greg) Jorgenson, Harwood, ND, Lori (Lou) Lorenzano, Casa Grande, AZ, and Kayleen Yoder, Devils Lake, ND; brothers-in-law, John (Bernice) Brossart, Leeds, ND, Jim (Tammy) Brossart, Rugby, ND, Bob (Kathy) Brossart, Rugby, ND, Allan (Arlene) Brossart, Bismarck, ND, and Doug Guss, Wolford, ND; and aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Simon (Sam) and Madeline (Mattie); stepfather, Pius Wangler; stepbrother, David Wangler; father and mother-in-law, John and Rosemary Brossart; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Guss and Kristi Erickson; brothers-in-law, Byron Opstad, Loren Carr, Richard and Elden Brossart, Roland Thompson, and Rick Erickson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Holy Family Catholic Church in Halstad.

An open public visitation will be held from 10-11 AM, on Monday, January 20, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Halstad, MN for extended family and friends. A private family Mass will follow. Inurnment with full military rites will take place at Halstad Lutheran South Cemetery, Halstad, MN, with immediate family in attendance.

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