Thomas “Schmitty” Schmidt, 64, Dickinson, died surrounded by his family on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at CHI St. Alexius Dickinson. There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends for Schmitty on Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a time of sharing stories and memories at 11 a.m. Military Honors will be provided by the Dickinson American Legion Post 3 Honor Guard. Inurnment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.
Thomas Robert Schmidt was born in Dickinson on September 30, 1958, the son of Robert and Frances (Privratsky) Schmidt. He was raised and educated in Dickinson, having graduated from Dickinson High School in 1977.
Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 31, 1978. He was honorably discharged in 1981 as a Lance Corporal. He went on to enjoy a long career in the oilfield with Steier Oil Field Service. Schmitty was known by many because of the vast knowledge that he shared with everyone.
Tom met the love of his life Joy (Decker) Baggatta and even though many proposals were made, Joy played hard to get for over 40 years, but their hearts were one. They made their home in Dickinson where they raised their family.
Tom loved animals and had two dogs, Ace & Max and kitties, Bebo & Bella, along with his buddy Gizmo who loved to keep him company.
Schmitty loved to collect sports memorabilia that caught the attention from those who had the opportunity to see his collection. If ND weather permitted he loved cruising in one of his cars from his collection which included a ‘71 Jag E and he enjoyed taking the T-Tops off his ‘89 Vet. He would often forget to put the T-Tops back on when the sun was shining bright.
Tom wasn’t known as the most patient man, but he had a heart of GOLD. Schmitty’s sense of humor followed him in all walks of life and especially on holidays.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, bingo, games (he loved yahtzee), gambling and winning!, and horse racing. Schmitty owned one race horse “Ice Cream Racer” and even won a few! He loved ice cream and many sweet treats just like his horse!
Tom is survived by his companion, Joy Baggatta; children, Nickie (Chad) Privratsky, Dickinson, Shane (Sarah) Steckler, Fargo, Laura (Ron Crail) Baggatta, Dickinson, Jennifer Baggatta, Dickinson, Bridgette West, Dickinson and Bo Schmidt, Dickinson; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Patty Jo Tooley, Dickinson; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; father-in-law and mother-in-law; four brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; one great-niece; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
