Doris Schmitz

Minot

Doris A. Schmitz, 87, Minot, died Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in a Bismarck care facility.

Doris, daughter of Henry and Mary (Hauser) Schmitz, was born January 17, 1938, on her parents farm near Foxholm, North Dakota. She was raised in Foxholm and graduated from Carpio High School in 1956. Doris continued her studies at Minot State University where she earned her teaching degree.

On June 6, 1959, Doris was united in marriage to William ‘Bill’ Schmitz at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Foxholm. They made their home in Minot, building a life together, blessed with four daughters, Deborah, Sherry, Pamela and Jill. Bill was employed by NSP and Doris was a teacher.

Doris’ journey in education as a teacher started in Parshall, ND. She taught students in Berthold, Towner, South Prairie, but spent most of her 28 years as an educator in Glenburn, ND.

In retirement, they enjoyed traveling together, seeing forty-eight states and participating in a senior bowling league. She was a member of the ND Retired Teachers Association and St. John’s Catholic Church, Minot.

Doris enjoyed supporting her grandchildren’s activities and time spent playing games with them. She was a whiz at word search and putting puzzles together. Camping filled many summer nights but was only complete with a campfire and smores.

They continued to live in Minot until moving to Bismarck in 2022, where they became residents of Edgewood Vista and later Missouri Slope Nursing Care Facility. Bill passed away on March 21, 2025.

Doris is survived by her daughters Deborah (Dwayne) Cullen, Mandan, Sherry (Kevin) Folkers, Kenmare, Pamela (Glen) Rutherford, Bismarck and Jill (John) Westereng, Bismarck; 8 grandchildren to include Gary, Lane, Michael, Joel, Kayla, Leah, Tanner and Jenna; 5 great grandchildren to include Henry, Jensen, Sawyer, Braxten and Brecken along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, husband William ‘Bill’ Schmitz, grandson Daniel Cullen and sister and brother-in-law Evelyn and Donald Degree.

Mass Of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, Minot. To view a recording of the service (available 1/21/) or to share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

Visitation: Monday, January 19, 2026, from 6 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Vigil Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 15, 2026.