Philip J. Schmitt

Philip Joseph Schmitt, born March 29, 1930 at the family home a few miles southwest of Wahpeton North Dakota, passed to his heavenly home two days after celebrating his 86th birthday.

Philip or “Red” as he was affectionately called, with his quiet faith and sense of humor intact right up to the end, was fortunate enough to gracefully “check out” as he put it while lovingly holding his soulmate’s hand. He really was a genuine hero to his whole family and friends, meeting all of them where ever they were at, without judgement. He had a unique way of effortlessly doling out his unconditional love usually sprinkling it with a bit of cheesy humor just to keep it light.

Red was raised with his two brothers, Jim and Ray on two farms; the first SW of Wahpeton ND and later a farm his father purchased near Breckenridge, MN.
He graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1947. After high school he established a couple of stellar years selling the St. Anthony Messenger while traveling throughout the Midwest. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 and served in the Philippines during the Korean Conflict.
On July 6, 1957 he married “the prettiest girl he had ever seen on a dance floor,” Patricia Gripentrog. During their early marriage years, he sold cars and worked in a local hardware store in Breckenridge. While raising a growing family he began his life long career as a “Rail” working as a Conductor and Brakemen for the Burlington Northern. In 1972, he transferred to the Dilworth yard and the family relocated to Moorhead Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his Father Carl and Mother Edith Clary Schmitt and his brother James Schmitt. He leaves his beloved wife of almost 59 years, Patricia Gripentrog Schmitt, his children Phyllis David Reller of Alexandria, MN, William Vicki Schmitt of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Carla Lon Rust of Sartell, MN, David Sharley Schmitt of Suquamish, WA, Keith Joni Schmitt of Dilworth, MN and Kevin Mary Schmitt of Fargo, ND. He leaves behind his brother Ray Schmitt of Fergus Falls, MN and brothers/sisters in law Brian Joan Gripentrog, Mike Dar Gripentrog and Tom Mary Gripentrog and Inez Gripentrog. He also leaves behind 18 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be on April 6th between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 7th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Moorhead, MN with a lunch to follow. Interment will be the same day at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Breckenridge, MN at 3:00 PM.

RIP Big Red!

In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Hospice.