Harry was born October 15, 1927 in Bayard, NE to Filep and Amelia Kaufman Schmitt. He moved to Sidney when he was five years old to the family beet farm North of Sidney. Harry worked countless hours on the farm and helping friends in their beet fields during harvest. He attended Sidney High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater of action of WWII. After being honorably discharged he then was later drafted into the United States Army. While on leave he married Helen Schow in Miles City. MT on October 13, 1951. They lived in Colorado Springs, CO while he trained before being deployed to Korea. Upon completion of Harry’s time in the service, he came back to Sidney and became a police officer where he served the community for many years. He was a truancy officer in the Sidney school system while on the police force and in his younger days he was an avid hunter and fisherman. Harry spent a number of years going to Glendive to help his brother-in-law Elmer harvest beets in October and also did custom crop spraying in the area.
Harry was a confirmed member of the Trinity Lutheran Church where he served on the church board, was an usher and worked in maintenance and lawn service serving his faith community. He also helped his friend Kling at the gas station delivering bulk fuel and helping in the garage. Harry and Helen were proud supporters of the Sidney Eagles and the Fairview Warriors supporting their granddaughters in cheerleading, basketball, volleyball, and track. Harry was very proud of his grandson, Phillip, for his military service to our country.
Harry’s favorite things were growing gardens (he loved red roses), his dog Crickett, and his grandkids and great grandkids who he dearly loved. One highlight was walking Toadie down the aisle at her wedding. He was appreciative of the Glendive VA and his daily nurse, Debra Kurly.
Harry is survived by his daughter G’Nell (Gerald) Sundheim of Colstrip, MT, his son Karlon (Helen) Schmitt of Sidney, MT, brothers Larry (Marilyn) Schmitt of Sidney, MT and Jim (Joan) Schmitt of OR, sisters Mickie Fleming of CA and Rose Gierke of Billings, MT, sister’s-in-law Alvina Schmitt of Sidney, MT and Marge Schmitt of ND, grandchildren Chellie (Kirt) Gordan, Jeri (Paul) Matthews, Phillip (Lindley) Schmitt, Michael, Arnot, April, Brandie, and Kendra Schmitt, and numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Helen, parents Filep and Amelia, sons Kennard and Kerwin, brothers John, Fred, and LeRoy, sisters Helene, Irene, Florence, Minnie, and his extended Steffan's family.
Harry passed away peacefully at home Monday, October 15, 2018 at home in Sidney, MT.