Michael Bischof

Minot

Our world became a little less bright on September 9, 2025 with the peaceful passing of Mike Bischof. His infectious smile and calming presence brought joy and comfort to everyone around him.

Mike was born in Kandel, Russia on November 13, 1939, the son of George and Margaret (Schatz) Bischof. The family moved to Germany in 1944 where they lived until 1952. In 1952 Margaret insisted they move to the US and family helped in their transition to Karlsruhe, ND. He attended and later graduated from Karlsruhe High School.

Mike was drafted into the United States Army on March 18, 1966. He proudly served his country while spending almost a year in Vietnam. His time there focused on building and maintaining infrastructure like airfields, ports and roadways. He was honorably discharged after spending just short of two years in the Army. Although he rarely spoke about his time there, later in life he enjoyed sharing some of the great photos he had taken with anyone that stopped by to visit.

Mike met the love of his life Linda Schmidt of all places, the Towner bar. They were later married on May 2, 1969 in Towner, ND. They moved to Minot shortly after where Mike worked for Feist Builders and later Craft Builders. Mike was a very talented carpenter. He enjoyed building furniture in his spare time and was the foreman for many larger projects while working for Craft Builders. If you were lucky enough to have something built by Mike – know it will last a lifetime.

Mike enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He had four brothers, and they were very close, all carpenters just like their father. They spent many days helping each other build their family homes. The Bischof boys were something to see and hear – they were quite the crew. His children (Ken and Connie) meant the world to him, and they loved him very much. He was blessed with three grandchildren (Lauren, Laken and Michael) who he was very proud of and loved spending time with. He spent weekends helping others, gardening, water skiing at George Lake and fishing whenever he could. It was hard for Mike to sit still, always doing something for his family or anyone that needed his expertise. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do and if it was broke – Mike could fix it.

Mike will be missed by many; we are so grateful for the time we had with him and the lessons he taught us.

Mike was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Those that Shared His Life: Wife of 56 years, Linda Bischof; Children; Ken (Laurae) Bischof, Bismarck, Connie (Rick) Dahl, Minot; Grandchildren; Lauren Bischof, Mandan, Laken Bischof, Mandan & Michael Wick, Minot; Brothers; Victor (Rose) Bischof, Andy (Mary) Bischof, George (Carolyn) Bischof, David (Carolyn) Bischof; Mother & Father In-Law; Leo and Catherine Schmidt; Brother In-Laws; Gary (Diane) Schmidt, Robert (Bonita) Schmidt, Donald Schmidt & Duane Schmidt and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; George Sr. & Margaret Bischof, Brothers; Victor & Andrew Bischof; Mother & Father In-Law; Leo and Catherine Schmidt; Brother In-Laws; Gary Schmidt & Duane Schmidt

Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Noon at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Monday, September 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: Monday, September 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

The service will be livestreamed for the public to view and can be accessed by going to the Thompson-Larson Funeral home website: www.thompsonlarson.com

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 13, 2025.

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