William Mitchell “Bill” Schmidt, 89, died of natural causes Sunday, February 4, 2018 in Helena.
Bill was born July 18, 1928, the son of Carl and Charlotte Schmidt, at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls. Bill joined two brothers, Herb (Ruth) and Don (Marie) who preceded him in death.
Bill grew up in Conrad and at age 15 his family moved to Helena, where his father worked for the Great Northern Railroad. He graduated from Helena High School and then was in the occupying Army in Japan after World War II. Upon his return, he married his life partner, Gerry, whom he had met when they were both 15 years old. Interestingly, his wife Gerry was born in the same hospital just two months before him. They went on to celebrate 62 wonderful, loving years of marriage. She preceded him in death in 2011.
After his military duty, Bill attended Carroll College on the GI Bill and earned an accounting degree and became a CPA. Early summers of their married life they spent working for the Yellowstone Park Company in Mammoth, Wyo. Bill worked at Blue Cross-Blue Shield and then went on to work as a CPA at Galusha, Higgins & Galusha for 32 years. After retiring as managing partner, Bill began his second career as an investment adviser in Bozeman with DA Davidson Company.
Bill was involved in numerous civic organizations, clubs and pursuits, including Lions’ Club, Scottish Rite, St. Paul’s Methodist Church and Toastmasters. He was a member of the Montana Society of Certified Public Accountants, serving on the MSCPA Board of Directors 1960-1964 and President of the MSCPA 1965-1966. He was a member of the AICPA, which allowed him and Gerry to travel to many conventions and events.
Bill served on the Board of Directors of Mountain Bell and Eagle Mount. He served on the Helena School Board for two terms. He was also Chairman of the Advisory Council of the U of M School of Business. Bill enjoyed skiing, golf, tennis and traveling. He was an accomplished photographer.
Bill especially enjoyed his family, and is survived by his son Jon of Helena; his son David (Jeanie) of Helena and three grandchildren, Ramie of Billings, Bill of Helena and Elizabeth of Denver; Paul and son Nathan of Lacey, WA; several great-children, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Tom Clifton of Golden, Colorado.
He leaves behind many wonderful friends and family. We thank you all for your kindnesses over the years. Special thanks to the staff of Apple Rehab Cooney.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., with a coffee and cookie reception to follow the service in the Social Hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison in the spring. Memorials in Bill’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 15, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Thursday February 15, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
At a later date
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heore's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 p.m.
Thursday February 15, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
After the service
Thursday February 15, 2018
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
At a later date
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heore's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Share
David Hansen says
My prayers are with the Schmidt family.
Rosemary Jacoby says
Always a caring, kind gentleman, the Jacoby family and many others in Helena were very fond of Bill. It was always a pleasure to visit with him, sharing stories of “Old Helena.” He will be missed. Rosemary & Chuck
Millissa Riggin says
Thank you for letting him be a part of our Cooney Family. We loved him. We are so sad for your loss.
Millissa Riggin RN D.O.N.
Betty Stinchfield says
My sincere thoughts are with your family. Bill was always so happy. I was truly blessed to have his friendship.
Betty Stinchfield
Ron Routzahn says
My thoughts are with the family, he was a special man. He always had a smile and warm hand to shake, I will miss him.
Hugh McWhorter says
Can still recall the time when I was the bean counter (auditor) and Bill was the member of a Board of Directors of an organization that had some significant challenges. In those days management letters were issued and comments made as to operations. Anyone would challenge the letter as written as it spelled out a picture that wasn’t pretty. Rather then dismiss Bill challenged and very professionally I might add. Despite being in the same profession but with different organizations Bill was objective, insightful and professional. I was impressed. Not only with his professionalism but with his humor. Condolences to those close to Bill.
Colleen Murphy says
Thinking of you at this time and extending understanding thoughts to everyone. Bill was the best neighbor anyone could ever ask for.
Mark Nelson says
Dave, Paul, Jon, and families, my prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of loss. I have several memories of your dad and all of them are good ones.