Former N.D. State Director Alton Schuette dies

Former N.D. State Director Alton Schuette, 93, of Bismarck, N.D. died Dec. 10, 2015, at a Bismarck care center.

Schuette enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1943 and was deployed during World War II at the battle of Iwo Jima. After Iwo Jima was secured, Schuette was sent to China. After receiving his discharge in August 1946, he hired out with Soo Line Railroad.

During his 40-year tenure on the Soo Line, Schuette served his union as North Dakota state legislative director for 26 years. As state director, Schuette was passionate about improving working conditions for all workers.

National Legislative Director John Risch knew Schuette well. “Al was my predecessor and mentor. He was well-respected at the North Dakota legislature and our respective government agencies,” Risch said. “He led our legislative board in North Dakota for 26 years, in some very tough times for our membership. Those years were filled with abandonments, railroad mergers and the virtual elimination of rail passenger service. He was the right guy for tough times and we need all to be grateful for the work that he did in moderating the effects in what was a big contraction in our industry. Our members are still benefiting from the work that he did.”

Schuette is survived by his wife Celia, two sons Robert (Rosanna) and Donald (Linda), grandson Jesse (Terri), granddaughter-in-law Elizabeth, six great-grandchildren, two brothers Robert (Shirley) and Richard (Deanna); three sisters Lorraine Wolf, Eileen (Norbert) Wilson and Audrey Van Dyke; and many others.

Schuette is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Freda (Gerber) Schuette, grandson Justin; brothers Maynard, Vern and Harry; and sister Althea.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Dec. 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Bismarck Funeral Home, 3723 Lockport St., Bismarck, ND 58503. Interment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46^th St., Mandan, ND 58554 or to your favorite veterans’ organization.

Click here to see Schuette’s obituary or to leave condolences for the family.