Thomas W. Schmitt

Thomas W. Schmitt, 64, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at his home.

Thomas William Schmitt was born in Moorhead, MN, on August 18, 1954 to William and Theresa (Nicolai) Schmitt. He grew up in Dilworth and graduated from Dilworth High School.  Following high school, Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He began his military career at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois.  From there he was sent to Grand Forks AFB, Grand Forks, ND, Tin City AFB in Alaska and ended his military career at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Following his service he became a Park Ranger in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.  He also worked for the railroad and went to beautician school before taking a job as an elevator operator for Anheuser Busch in Moorhead, MN, where he remained until his retirement in 2016.

Thomas loved the outdoors and spending time fishing, hunting and entertaining family and friends with a barbeque.  He made the best baked beans and always had his guitar nearby.

Thomas is survived by his sons, T.J. (Dawn) Schmitt and Matthew Schmitt; siblings, Jim (Lynette) Schmitt, Kathy Anstadt, John (Cindy) Schmitt, Jeannie (Dean) Lamb and Mark Schmitt; grandchildren, Levi, Connor, Christopher, Chloe and Cadence as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and niece, Angie Fernandez.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 AM with a visitation beginning at 10:00 at Wright Funeral Home, Hawley, MN.

Burial will be in Fargo National Veterans Cemetery at a later date.