Berleen Schmidt

Berleen Mae (Opland) Schmidt of Minot was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father on Dec. 26, 2009.

She was born Aug. 13, 1932, to Leonard and Alice Opland of Des Lacs. Berleen grew up on the Opland farm 25 miles southwest of Minot. In the prime of her youth and beauty, she met the love of her life, Jim Schmidt, of Canada.

After a short courtship they were married on July 21, 1949. They had recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends. Berleen was the Martha Stewart of her time, finding great pleasure in sewing, painting, crafting, canning and quilting. Always a giving and faithful servant of the Lord, she remained active in her church throughout her lifetime.

Jim and Berleen were blessed with four children in their lives: a daughter, Ronda Hill (Geoff) of Prescott, Ariz., and three sons, Rodney Schmidt (Ann), Bottineau, Tim Schmidt (Dalenne) of Williston, and Bryan Schmidt (Alison) of Horace. She delighted in her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, her "little ones." She is also survived by her husband, Jim Schmidt, and her only brother, Ronald Opland (Maybelle) of Minot as well as several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to all the caregivers and staff of the Velva Samaritan Nursing Home.

Funeral service: Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, Jan. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the N.D. Alzheimer's Association for continued research or Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share memories are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).