Anton Schmidt

The family of Anton Schmidt, beloved husband of Bernice Schmidt, of Preeceville and formerly of the Ketchen District, announce his passing on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. He was 87 years of age.

Funeral Mass was held on Monday, October 27, from St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Sturgis.

Interment followed in the Roman Catholic Parish Cemetery.

Memorial donations in memory of Anton may be made to the Preeceville Long Term Care Auxilliary (Box 937, Preeceville, SK, S0A 3B0) as gifts of remembrance.

Anton was born to Mathias and Rose Schmidt (nee Eischen) on Sept. 23, 1938. He had 2 brothers, Frank and Bernard and 5 sisters, Lidwina, Pauline, Isabel, Rosella and Anna. The family lived on a farm about 2 miles northeast of St. Bernard Church by Pilger, Saskatchewan.  Anton attended St. Bernard School, which was right by the St. Bernard Church, completing Grade 9. Like all families in those days, they took the caboose to school or walked some days. After leaving school, Anton helped on the farm bringing in the crop and milking the cows. In 1961, Mathias and Rose moved their family and farm to Ketchen, Sask. Anton has told us that he drove the tractor from Pilger to Ketchen when they moved. What a drive!! Shortly thereafter, Anton went and worked in BC for a logging company. When he came back from BC, Anton lived with his mom and dad at Ketchen and helped them farm. In addition to farming, Anton worked at the New Holland dealership in Preeceville for some years. Then a position became available at the Town of Preeceville and Anton started there and worked for a couple of years with the Town. Next an opportunity came up to work on the farm for Bernie and Marge Slugoski.  Anton was happy to get back to farming so he gladly accepted.  He worked for them until they sold and moved to Yorkton. Hands like to keep busy, so Anton started his own small business, called Schmidt’s Repair where he repaired alternators, starters and small engines.

On October 18, 1980, Anton and Bernice were married. It was a wonderful fall day. They lived on Bernice’s farm for almost a year. In 1981, Anton and Bernice moved into a new house at 310 – 2nd St NE, in Preeceville. After they moved, they became very active in the community. Anton became very involved with the Knights of Columbus and Council for St. Patrick’s Church in Sturgis. Being on the Council, he helped out with many projects. A Mr. Fix-It for sure! In addition, Anton and Bernice took care of the Preeceville Cemetery for a number of years keeping it neat and tidy.

They liked to go fishing and camping during the summer. Always ready to catch the big one!! They did do a bit of travelling, going to Cuba and the States, and of course, a few casino trips!

Many Christmases and holidays were spent in Bruno with the Bruno clan and then they would host the Bruno clan for Easter. Many enjoyable memories!

In June 2012, they sold their house and moved into Unit #1 at the Assiniboine Manor in Preeceville where they lived until 6 weeks ago. Uncle Anton liked to bake muffins and cookies so, while Aunt Bernice would go play Bingo on Monday nights, Uncle Anton would bake so she would come home to some fresh baked goodies.  

We knew Anton as a quiet, reserved man who was deeply devoted to his wife, Bernice. Anton was always interested in any project you were working on. He would help out anyone who asked. On Sept. 10, 2025, Anton and Bernice moved to the Preeceville and District Health Centre, Long Term Care, for respite care. Anton’s health rapidly declined and he passed away there on Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025.  May he rest in peace.

Anton will be forever loved and missed by his wife, Bernice, of 45 years, his sister, Rosella Derin and brother-in-law, Gordon Lingl (Irene). Anton had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from across the provinces.

Anton was predeceased by his dad and mom (Mathias and Rose); brothers, Bernard and Frank; sisters, Lidwina, Pauline, Isabel and Anna; brother in-laws, Ed Madarash, Edward Derin; nephew, Robbie Derin. Pre-deceased members of Bernice’s family are, parents, Albert & Thelma Lingl; brothers, Richard (Margaret) and Zotique (Muriel) Lingl; sisters, Corrine Weiman (Lawrence) and Marie Lingl; nephew, Glenn Lingl and great-nephew, Michael Manderscheid.