BEVERLY JOY SCHMIDT

Beverly Joy Schmidt, 79 of Devils Lake, ND went to her eternal home to be with the Lord, on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Good Samaritan Home in Lakota, ND. Funeral services to celebrate the life of Beverly Schmidt will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10th. There will be a time of remembrance and prayer at 7:30 p.m. also on Tuesday. Visitation on Wednesday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Beverly will be laid to rest in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Beverly Joy Schmidt, born December 8, 1933 in Grafton, ND, the second of eight children born to Alex and Mae (Schumacher) LeClerc. Beverly grew up on the family farm and attended country school in Acton Township. The family moved to Devils Lake in 1943 where Beverly was enrolled in the sixth grade. Beverly, a gifted student with a true passion for learning, graduated from Devils Lake High School as Salutatorian in 1950 at the age of 16. Furthering her formal education, Beverly earned a Bachelor’s Degree in both Mathematics and English from the University of North Dakota in 1954 and after teaching for several years, returned to UND, earning a Master’s Degree in Special Education. On June 11, 1957, Beverly was united in marriage to Leo John Schmidt at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake, ND. To their union, their son, Scott was born. Leo and Beverly made their home in Devils Lake with Leo passing away unexpectedly on November 7, 1974. A lifelong educator, Beverly began teaching in Walhalla, ND and also taught in Webster, ND, and at Devils Lake, then being hired to implement a practical nursing program at Lake Region Junior College in Devils Lake in 1960. Beverly taught mathematics and related courses in the nursing program for 26 years. In 1989, Beverly was elected Superintendant of Ramsey County Public Schools, and after, serving for 17 years, retired in December, 2005. Between 1993 and 1994, Beverly was also Interim Superintendant of Schools for Nelson and Towner Counties. Under Beverly’s leadership, the County Spelling Bee and Math Court Programs expanded with several students advancing to State and National Competition. Beverly cited the dissolution of the Crary and Churchs Ferry School Districts as well as forming the Dakota Prairie School District, involving the consortium of Petersburg, Michigan, McVille, Tolna, and Aneta Schools, among the greatest challenges of her tenure as County Superintendant. Following retirement, Beverly continued to connect with students, substitute teaching through 2012. The saying “A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart” exemplifies Beverly’s 58 years as an educator. A compassionate woman of deep and abiding faith, Beverly knew and loved her Savior and made mission and service to others her life’s work. A member of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Devils Lake since childhood and active in the LWML, Beverly throughout her life, felt called to act on her faith. For many years among her greatest joys has been searching for new and gently used clothing, blankets, personal care items, toys, school and medical supplies to send to children and families in need, domestically and internationally through organizations such as Lutheran World Relief and Orphan Grain Train. Beverly’s loving family and friends will forever keep her compassionate spirit in our hearts. Beverly has fought the good fight, she has finished her course and kept her faith and now received her crown of righteousness from her Lord and Savior. Beverly is survived by her son, Scott and wife Judee Schmidt, Grand Forks, ND, grandchildren, Alexis Ortiz, Jordan Schmidt and Jennifer Sannes, great grandchildren Kaleb Schmidt, Zoleena and Quinn Ortiz, Maxwell and Khloe Blattenbauer-Larson and their parents are Cheryl and Teri Blattenbauer-Larson, Apple Valley, MN, Caden Sannes and Canyn Lyons. Sisters Lillian (Gordon) Shafer, Detroit Lakes, MN and Rosalie (James) Ringstrom, Encinitas, CA. Brothers Dale (Betsy) LeClerc, Monterey, CA, Gerald LeClerc, Devils Lake, Ray (Judy) LeClerc, Grand Forks,Ronald LeClerc, Bismarck, ND and Warren LeClerc, Grand Forks and sister-in-law, Jean Schmidt, Clinton, WA. Beverly will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Mae LeClerc; husband, Leo Schmidt; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Helen Schmidt; brother-in-law, Martin “Babe” Schmidt; sisters-in-law, Myrna LeClerc and LuLu LeClerc as well as many aunts and uncles. The family of Beverly wishes to extend our heartfelt thanks to Pastor Leo Deitemeyer and the ladies of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church for their support and prayers as well as to all that sent cards, flowers and made phone calls and visits to her during her illness. The family would like memorials to be directed to “Orphan Grain Train” or “Project 24”. Friends may sign the online register book and share memories of Beverly at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com