Richard Schmiess

Richard Schmiess, 85 of Devils Lake and Munich, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake.

Funeral Services for Richard will be held on Friday, November 30, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Munich, ND with Reverend Scott Ramey officiating. Burial will be in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, November 29^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. 

Richard is in the care of the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake

Richard was born on February 16, 1933 at Mountain Lake, Minnesota, the son of Alexander and Amalia (Schriock) Schmiess. He attended grade school at Gordon #2 and graduated from Munich High School in 1951.  He started farming the family farm while still in high school. 

On October 22, 1953, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Mary Hall at Zion Lutheran Church in Munich. They lived in Munich until moving in 1957 to the third generation family farm in Gordon Township.  They would live, work side by side and raise their family here through the years.  In 1985, they moved to the junction of 5 and 20 north of Munich.  Richard continued to farm with his son Lynn through the years.  In 1987 Richard and Lynn became the owners and operators of the Munich Elevator. 

Richard was an active member of his church and community. He served as the treasurer of Zion Lutheran Church for numerous years and also served as Elder.  He served on several boards including the Crop Improvement Association Board, the Alsen Farmers Elevator Board, Alsen Farmers Oil Company Board, the FHA Committee, serving as chairman in 1972.  Richard was elected Outstanding Young Farmer in 1966. 

When the harvest was done, Richard enjoyed many years on a Men’s Bowling League and Mixed League with Mary. They bowled locally and thoroughly enjoyed traveling to many tournaments with their team mates.  In 2011, Richard and Mary moved to Woodland Resort.

Richard’s passions were his family, his faith and farming. Richard was a devoted husband, loving father and a proud grandpa.  He loved every minute spent with family and was a good friend and neighbor to many. 

Richard is survived by his loving family. His wife of 65 years, Mary; son Lynn (Donna) Schmiess of Munich; daughter Jan Schmiess Samson of Cavalier, ND; nine grandchildren Jeri Schmiess Penas, Brian Schmiess, Eric Schmiess, Heather (Matt) Kram, Chris (DeAnne) Udby, Sarah (Todd) Fee and Wayne (Camille Brown) Samson,  Barbara Samson and Lindsey Samson; nine great grandchildren Rylan, Caden, Riley, Stetson, Bryson, Annistyn, Jevin, Jaxon and Brynja; sister Darlene (Ken) Lakin of Peoria, AZ; several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-grandson Jared Udby; brothers Alex Schmies and Alvin Schmiess.

Casket Bearers for Richard will be Terry Hall, Robert Hall, Scott Hall, Patrick Hall, Kelly Hall and Steve Buchweitz.