Donald Schmitt Obituary

Donald 'Don' Leo Schmitt, age 79, of Glendive, Montana, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024 at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls, MT. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 30, 2024 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. A Private Rite of Committal will be held in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Born on June 25, 1945 in Harvey, ND, he was a devoted son to his parents, Matt and Helen Schmitt, a loving older brother to his twin sisters, Mary and Barbara, a devoted husband to Irene and a loving father to Larry and Christie.

He was hard-working and dedicated to his family and business. Don owned and ran Birdsall Tire Company, starting out as an employee and working his way to ownership. He retired from the business in 2007, after being diagnosed with COPD. Many friends and customers joined him for morning coffee at the shop and trusted him with their vehicle maintenance and tires.

He coached both Larry and Christie in baseball and softball for many years. Don loved all sports and was an avid Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan. After he retired, you would find him rocking in a chair near the front door, watching sports; baseball, football, basketball, golf, horse racing, bowling, you name it. The only thing he loved as much as sports were game shows, especially the Price is Right. When the television was cranked up so he could hear it, you would be sure to hear a game show or a sports broadcast.

One thing many people may not know, or remember, is that Don had an amazing singing voice. He played guitar in his younger years and was even in a band. Come Sunday mornings in church, you could hear him sing in the choir and in the congregation. He sang at many weddings and funerals. Unfortunately, due to his COPD, the gift of song was taken from him too early.

He served on various board of directors in the Glendive community. He volunteered as the VFW chaplain, as life-long member with the Knights of Columbus, at the church and hospital when the local priest was not available, and as a listening ear to those who needed one.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Helen Schmitt, and his wife Irene Schmitt.

He is survived by his two children, Larry Schmitt of Billings, MT, and Christie (Brett) Gilleo of Great Falls; 2 grandchildren, Zander and Gavin Gilleo; two step grandchildren, Kody and Christopher Gilleo; two sisters, Mary Ranta of Great Falls, and Barb (Bob) Skaggs of Nye, MT; a nephew, Eric (Bobbie) Skaggs of Billings; and two nieces, Jennifer (Chuck) Jacobs of Billings, and Katie (Josh) Larson of Great Falls.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.silhafuneralhomes.com.