It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frederick Schmidt on Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at the age of 96 years. His health had been declining for several years, and passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Augusta; stepbrother August; stepsister Hilda (Ted); and his stepsister Wanda (Herman).

Fred is survived by his wife of 65 years Dorothy; sons Glenn (Karen) and Garry (Bonnie); grandchildren Steven (Tasha), Curtis (Amy), Dylan, Teri (Kyle); as well as great grandchildren Kaylee, Sierra, Olivia, Jackson, Parker, Hudson, Bennett, Presley, and Harper.

Fred was born on March 5th, 1929 on Joseph and Augusta’s homestead south of Medstead.  Two years later, his father passed away from stomach cancer, leaving Augusta and young Fred to fend for themselves through the depression years of the 1930s.  Through these years they relied heavily on the kindness of good neighbours and relatives as they went through many lean years.

In 1935 when Fred was 6, Augusta and Fred moved to Valleyview Alberta where Augusta’s sister and her family lived.  Fred spent much of his early childhood years with his cousins and neighbours in the area.

In 1941, when Fred was 12, Augusta and Fred moved back to Saskatchewan and Augusta worked as a housekeeper in several places like Landice and Denholm.  At age 14 Fred quit school to help support the family and began working for a farmer in Denholm, and a year later they moved back to the homestead near Medstead where Fred continued to work for farmers in the area.

At age 16 Fred bought his first three horses and a cow and began farming his own land at age 17.  Over the next decade Fred continued to farm and work other jobs at the same time.

In 1958 while working for a farmer in Paynton Saskatchewan Fred met the love of his life, a local farm girl named Dorothy Peterson.  In 1960, after Dorothy graduated from Teachers College, they were married.  In 1964 they welcomed their first son Glenn and in 1966 their son Garry made their family complete.  Fred was a devoted father, always present at school events and faithfully driving his sons to hockey games across countless small-town rinks.

Fred farmed well into his late 70s, cherishing every moment spent tending to his land, caring for his animals, and enjoying time with his growing family.  He also loved attending music festivals, old time music and dancing.

Fred and Dorothy remained on the farm until just a few short years ago. At 94, they moved into Harwood Manor in North Battleford.

Fred was cherished for his unwavering love for family, deep passion for farming, and kindness toward animals. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of life well lived will be held at Medstead Hall, on Wednesday, March 12th, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in memory of Mr. Frederick Schmidt can be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada 1200-2300 Yonge St, Box 2414 Toronto, ON M4P 1E4.

Condolences for the family can be made at www.eternalmemoriesfuneral.ca Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium – Tim Scaife Funeral Director.

• Date : 2025-03-10
• Location : Medstead, SK