Darlene Schmidt, 84, passed away April 21, 2026.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 28, at Ascension Catholic Church, 1825 S 3rd St., Bismarck, ND.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, April 27, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 7 PM.

Burial will be held at 2 PM at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

Darlene Georgina Schmidt was born on November 7, 1941, in Rolette, North Dakota, to Albin and Rose (Lambert) Ostenson. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Nanson before graduating from Rolette High School in 1959. After attending one year of college in Minot, she moved to Rugby, where she worked at a local café. It was there that she met David Schmidt. It quickly became clear they were meant to be together, and they were married on September 15, 1962.

The couple made their first home in Rugby, where they welcomed their three children, Michael, Tammy, and Kristi. Over the years, they moved several times—living in Valley City, returning to Rugby, and eventually settling in Alexander, North Dakota, where they spent 36 years. Together, Darlene and David also enjoyed ten winters in Arizona, cherishing a daily happy hour that became one of their favorite shared traditions.

Family was at the heart of Darlene’s life. She was an exceptional homemaker who expressed her love through cooking, baking, and caring for others. Her home became a gathering place where neighborhood children always felt welcomed and loved. It was not uncommon to find Darlene playing board games with them, even when her own children were away. Her kindness extended beyond people—neighborhood dogs were equally drawn to her warmth, often finding comfort in her lap. She also adored her own dog, Pepper, affectionately referred to by the family as her “fourth and favorite child.”

Darlene had a playful and competitive spirit, especially when it came to games like pinochle and aggravation. She never let anyone win easily—you had to earn it. She was also generous with her compliments, always ready to tell others how beautiful they were, and she meant it. Her warmth and sincerity left a lasting impression, lifting others up and helping them shine.

Thirteen years ago, Darlene and David chose to move closer to their children and grandchildren, building a home in Lincoln. Being near her children and grandchildren brought her immense joy. She was deeply involved in their lives and often said, “They are my heart.” Each evening, her children would call to say goodnight, ending with “Sweet dreams, I love you, Mom,” to which Darlene would always reply, “I love you more.”

Darlene was truly an earth angel whose love, kindness, and light will be remembered always.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, David; children, Michael (Sheila) Schmidt, Tammy Clouse and Kristi Schmidt, all of Bismarck; grandchildren, Dustin Schmidt, Misty (Chad) Akovenko, Joshua (Brandi) Clouse, Brandon (Aliza LaBonte) Clouse; great grandchildren, Cage Akovenko, Aria Clouse, Case Akovenko, Mazey Akovenko and Linkin Clouse; sister, Violet Kuntz; brother Allen (Bonnie) Ostenson and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Clifford Ostenson, Carol DeVries, Eunice Ostenson, Lois Kuhn and a baby sister, Mary Ostenson.