Gilbert Schmit

Gilbert Gib Carl Schmit, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011 at the age of 89. Gib was born on August 4, 1921 to John B. and Hildegarde (Nistler) Schmit in Eden Valley, MN. He was the second of five children and worked on his family's farm until the age of 21, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Gib served as Gunner's Mate First Class in the Pacific Theatre during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He earned the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon, the Victory Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. Gib was a fierce and proud American and would enthusiastically tell vivid stories of his Navy days. After the war, Gib returned to Eden Valley, working various jobs across Minnesota until an opportunity arose in Golva, ND. It was there at a dance he met Theresa Fischer, and they were married on June 16, 1953. She would be the loves of his life for 58 years. Gib and Tess settled in Golva, ND for a short time before making their home in Beach, ND where their six children were born. Stories of booming construction business in Bozeman, MT brought the Schmit family west in 1966. They bought some acreage outside of Bozeman that same year and the couple lived there until the time of his death. Gib worked construction across the Gallatin Valley and was proud of his work. He truly loved to hunt and fish and he shared that passion with family and friends. He was a wonderful storyteller who could vividly recount his early days on the farm with his horse team of Dan Queen, steam engines, and enjoying life with his beloved Tess. Gib, Dad, Grandpa - we are forever grateful for the joy and love you brought to our lives. You are a cherished treasure and you will never be forgotten. 'Machs Gut.' Gib was preceded in death by his parents John and Hilde, brother Richard Schmit, and sisters Marie Rothstein and Kathleen Nohner. He is survived by his wife Tess, sister Mildred Garoutte, sister-in-law Helen Schmit, brother-in-law Donald Nohner, children and spouses Kay (Jim) Bogen of Bozeman, Mike (Shari) Schmit of Butte, Dave (Sandy) Schmit of Belgrade, Ron (Laurene) Schmit of Bozeman, Margie (Dale) Schuler of Carter, Ken (Lorene) Schmit of Bozeman, and 16 grandchildren who will dearly miss him. Visitation will take place Monday, June 27, 2011 at Resurrection Parish from 4 to 6 pm, followed by a Vigil service at 6 pm. The funeral mass will be held at 10 am Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Parish, followed by burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorials may be made in his name to the Resurrection Parish Building Fund, 1725 S. 11th Ave., Bozeman MT, 59715.