Vincent Schmit, 88, of Fargo, formerly Bordulac, N.D., passed away May 26, 2016, at his daughter’s home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Vincent Schmit was born January 23, 1928, to Herbert and Anna (Yunger) Schmit in Carrington Hospital. Vincent grew up on the farm with his twin brother, Vernon, and three other siblings. Growing up on the farm, his family didn’t have electricity until sometime in the 1940’s. He often spoke of how they used kerosene lamps to find their way in the dark.

He attended school in Bordulac and made it all the way through the 12th grade, something very rare in that day and age. Vince and his brother often had to walk to school regardless of the weather. Out of 12-18 kids his class started out with, Vince and his brother were the only two kids left when they graduated.

After high school, Vince was drafted in the U.S. Army. Although his draft was deferred, he decided to enlist anyway just to “get it over with.” After basic training, he served time at Fort Lewis in Washington. He flew out to Korea and served his time in the Korean War. While he was deployed, he took the position of Corporal, transporting the generals. He loved discussing his time served, and would regale his tales to anyone that would listen. When Vincent came back stateside, he ended up at Fort Carson in Colorado.

After serving two years in the Army, he moved back to Bordulac and attended night school for farming. He ended up meeting and marrying his love, Patricia Caverly. They were married on November 30, 1956, in Carrington. The newly married couple settled on the family farm where they had two daughters, Karla and Bonnie.

Vince was a “jack of all trades.” He liked working with his hands, spending time doing electrical work, plumbing, mechanical work and carpentry. He enjoyed carpentry the most. Vince loved animals and loved the outdoors. Up until the time he left the farm in the spring of 2012, he found things to do so he could stay busy outside. Every time you visited him, he would talk about the deer, ducks, pheasants and geese that would hang around the house. He used to say it was “God’s country.” After moving to Fargo in May 2012, he spent time living with both of his daughters up until his death.

Vincent is survived by his daughters Karla Topp and Bonnie Seitz; grandchildren, Cindy (Nathan) Steinkopf, Samantha Topp, Tyler Topp, Nichole Seitz, and Chris (Katie) Seitz; great-grandchildren, Brandon and Payton Steinkopf, and Connyr and Kenna Seitz; a sister-in-law, Edith Schmit; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia who died on July 4, 2011; his parents, Hubert and Anna; his sisters, Eleonora (Leo) Seiler, Rosalia (Delbert) Howey; and his brothers, Stephen, and Vernon.

VIGIL SERVICE:

Tuesday (May 31st) at 7PM, Evans Funeral Home, Carrington

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington

DATE AND TIME:

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 10:30AM

BURIAL:

Carrington Cemetery