Carol Schmidt

Carol Schmidt passed away peacefully on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 90, of acute respiratory failure at Logan Health Nursing facility in Conrad, MT.

She was born in Conrad, Montana on July 4, 1936, to Vernon and Alice (Keil) Venetz. She was the oldest of four children.

Her childhood years were spent growing up on the family farm southwest of Conrad. In 1941, her father built a house on Illinois Street in Conrad. As the family grew, time was spent between living in town and the farm.

Her high school years were spent with taking voice lessons, learning to play the accordion and participating in school choir. She was most proud of receiving the Arion Award of Achievement for Voice in her Senior year. She was a member of International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and Order of the Eastern Star.

After graduating from Conrad High School in 1954, she briefly worked at the Home Café in Conrad. She met and married George Schlosser and from this marriage, Roger and Richard (Dick) were born. They later divorced.

In September 1960, Carol then married Gideon Schmidt and moved to Fairfield. Carol and Gideon welcomed three more children, Rena, Raymond and Robert.

Being a homemaker on a farm included raising hay, grain, beef cattle and operating a dairy, Carol was also active in American Legion Auxiliary; St. Paul Lutheran Ladies Circle; sang in the church choir and taught Sunday School. Carol always supported her kids by attending all their activities. These activities included baseball, football, basketball, wrestling and track and field. Carol and Gideon bowled many years at the Aragon bowling alley in Fairfield.

In 1980, Carol and Gideon helped to form and start the Fairfield Charter Chapter of the Triangle Aeries Fraternal Order of Eagles where they remained members. After Gideon’s passing in 2000, she continued with this organization along with her good friend, Hubert (Les) Risley.

She is survived by her children, Roger Schlosser (Elaine Iverson), Rena (Tom) Steyaert, Raymond Schmidt, and Robert (LuAnn) Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Denise Schmidt; grandchildren, Kirsten (JT) Smith, Jacey (Andy) Watson, Tyrell (Amy) Schmidt, Kale (Hilary) Schmidt, Chad Steyaert, Kyle Steyaert, Amanda Schmidt, and Joshua (Amanda) Schmidt; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wayne and Virgil Venetz; sister, Virginia Hagen; children, Rhonda Schmidt (stillborn) and Richard Schmidt.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel at 1410 13th Street S., Great Falls, Montana with a cake and coffee reception following. Carol will be laid to rest at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be sent in care of Rena Steyaert, 7855 Margaret Lane, Helena, MT 59602.