William "Bill" Owen Schmitt

William “Bill” Owen Schmitt, age 91, returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father on July 2, 2026. Born in Dillon, Montana, on December 23, 1934, to William Joseph and Dorothy Schmitt, Bill lived a life defined by resilience, devotion, and quiet, unwavering strength. His story is an example of integrity, charity, and determination.

Bill entered the world during the Great Depression, a time when hardship shaped families and forged characters. From his hardworking parents, he learned the values that would guide him throughout his life: work hard, care deeply, and take responsibility for yourself and others. These early lessons became the foundation of a life marked by grit and goodness, responsibility, and integrity.

The second of three children—and the only son—Bill grew up in a home where perseverance was essential. He developed a colorful, adventurous spirit and a deep love for people. He cherished his childhood friends and stayed connected with them faithfully until he became the last surviving member of their group.

As a young boy, Bill contracted polio, leaving his left arm weakened. He never complained, never sought sympathy, and never allowed it to define him. To those that knew him best, it was easy to forget or not even notice that he had any limitation at all because he refused to let it interfere with his ability to face the world. His father often said with pride that Bill “worked harder and better with one arm than anyone he knew with two.” That determination became one of the defining qualities of his life and led him to success in career and family.

Bill found joy in the outdoors—fishing, hunting, shooting, and exploring. He was a skilled woodworker who poured his talent into improving his home and helping others. He served quietly, generously, and without ever accepting compensation. Service was simply part of who he was.

Bill married the love of his life, Marsha Jolleen Peterson, and together they built a life anchored in devotion, sacrifice, and teamwork. For 64 years they faced the world side by side. They began their marriage with very little, working through college and raising four children with determination and faith. Their children grew up with opportunities Bill and Marsha never had.

Later in life, Bill became a diligent student and disciple of Christ through study, pray and service. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and found a deep and abiding connection to Jesus Christ. He is a resolute disciple of Jesus Christ. He served wherever he was asked including as bishop, member of a stake presidency, and a long-time temple ordinance worker. Bill’ and his wife, Marsha served a full-time mission in Pakistan and Malaysia.

Bill endured the loss of his son, Tyvan, in 2016, and his beloved wife, Marsha, in 2023. During this time of profound sorrow, he showed his family what true strength looks like, responding with compassion, tenderness, and unwavering faith. He became the definition of a caregiver, a patriarch whose example will echo through generations.

Bill will be remembered for his integrity, wisdom, charity, dedication, and service. His influence shaped his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many others blessed by his presence. He will be deeply missed and will be remembered, and being now reunited with his wife and family that preceded him in death, he will continue to work in behalf of his family and those he loved in life.

He is survived by his sister, Virginia Jeanette (Ginny) Schmitt; his daughter, Terri Lynne (Dale) Haakma of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his sons, William Scott (Claudia) Schmitt and Dustin Cade (Janet) Schmitt of Idaho Falls, Idaho; his daughter-in-law, Lori Schmitt of Pocatello, Idaho; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Joseph and Dorothy Schmitt; his sister, Mildred Jean (Millie) Bishop; his wife, Marsha Jolleen Schmitt (Peterson); and his son, Tyvan Arthur Schmitt.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.