Willis Schmitt, 83, Bismarck formerly of Hurdsfield, ND died Saturday February 11, 2017 at the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Harvey, ND.

Visitation: 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 14 with a prayer/rosary service at 7 p.m. at Hertz Funeral Home, Harvey, ND.

Burial will be held at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Hurdsfield.

Willis Eugene Schmitt was born June 4, 1933 near Hurdsfield, ND to Eugene and Lillian (Hanson) Schmitt. He grew up north of Hurdsfield and graduated from the Hurdsfield High School. His parents moved to Hamilton, MT. Willis stayed behind and lived with his uncle Anton and aunt Anna Mueller. In addition to farming and ranching, Willis worked on construction to help make ends meet. Willis married the love of his life, Sandra Hirschkorn on July 23, 1960 at the St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Harvey. They had two children, Mark and Shelly. He began farming with his son, Mark in 1980 and later retired and moved to Bismarck. He worked part time at the Bismarck Civic Center. Willis and Sandy enjoyed traveling and experiencing exciting adventures together. He seemed to know people where ever he went. He played the trumpet in several bands including the Stardust Trio for many years. Willis enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Sandra passed away on January 20, 2013. More recently he enjoyed trips to the casino with his good friend Gordon.

Willis was a current member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Bismarck; a former member and trustee at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Hurdsfield; was a member of the Bull Moose Township board, Hurdsfield Lions Club and the Harvey Eagles Club.

Willis is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Shanon Buchmiller; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Gayle Schmitt all of Hurdsfield; grandchildren, Troy (Amber) Schmitt, Jessica (Mike) Nelson, Jeremy (Anna) Mertz, Jenna Mertz and Bruce Schwartz; step grandchildren, Colt and Jenna Jacobson, Brandi and Brandon Gruchow; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Jim Schmitt of Hamilton, MT; sisters, Addy Salquist of Spokane, WA and Julie Jacobson of Missoula, MT.