Anton "Tony" L. Schmidt

Anton “Tony” L. Schmidt, 96, passed away on Oct. 4, 2024, in Billings.

Tony was born on Sept. 12, 1928, in Mandan, North Dakota, to John and Julia Schmidt. He was the youngest of five and only boy to his four older sisters. He moved to Montana with his family in 1935. He moonlighted as both a bowling alley pin setter and shined shoes and bell hopped at the Northern Hotel while in high school. He was a proud member of the 1947 Billings Senior High championship football team, graduating the same year.

Following high school, Tony briefly attended Eastern Montana College then enlisted in the Navy from 1948 to 1952 with the Seabees, where he honed skills that would define his career. Post-military, he became a master electrician. Tony owned and operated Reddi Electric from 1958 until 1992, passing on the legacy to his children. In 2023, he received his 75 year pin from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He was active in the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), serving as president and governor, and contributed to the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), fostering the next generation of electricians including his sons, son-in-law, and grandson.

Tony was a devout member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. His hobbies included watching football, playing and watching golf, both were activities that brought him much joy and relaxation. Another passion of his was skiing, where he worked on the ski patrol for Red Lodge Mountain. Tony was known for his fun-loving spirit, his knack of storytelling, and was always quick with a joke. He had a boisterous laugh you could hear across a room and the strongest hugs and handshakes you’ve ever received.

He leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Marlene Schmidt; his children: son Mike Schmidt (Colleen), daughter-in-law Tammy Schmidt, daughter Patricia May (Paul). Tony was a cherished grandfather to Melissa Maine (Jim), Jordan Schmidt (Bree), Lindsie May and Jeremy Litton. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren who had the privilege to know him: Kylar Maine, Jette and Sutton Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, and his son Dan.

A service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 11, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive, followed by a reception at the Red Door. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.