Darin Andrew Schadler, a Bismarck firefighter who served the city for over 28 years, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Baptist Health and Rehab in Bismarck. He was 56 years old and had battled Behavioral Variant Frontal Temporal Dementia, according to information from Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services.
Mr. Schadler dedicated a significant portion of his life to public safety in the Bismarck and Mandan area. Beyond his full-time role with the Bismarck Fire Department, he volunteered with the Bismarck Rural Fire Department for nearly 15 years. He also spent over 15 years working for Standing Rock Ambulance. His commitment extended to training fellow first responders; he served as a driving instructor for the fire department, led training classes at the State Fire School for many years, and taught hundreds as an extrication instructor throughout his career. Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services noted his dependability, knowledge, and strong work ethic, highlighting his eagerness to share his expertise.
Born May 28, 1970, to Ervin and Margaret (Peg) Schadler, Darin grew up on a dairy farm south of Carson. He attended school in Carson through his junior year, completing his senior year at Bismarck High School and graduating in 1988. Prior to finding his calling in firefighting, he held various jobs, including working at a vacuum store, selling insurance, and customer service for Aetna. He met his wife, Kirsten, at Borrowed Buck’s Roadhouse in Bismarck. They were married on June 17, 2000, at the Civic Center Exhibition Hall in Bismarck. The couple welcomed a son, Andrew, in 2005, and a daughter, Alyssa, in 2009. Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services stated that he loved being a father, always including his children in his activities and showing immense pride in them.
Mr. Schadler was known for his active lifestyle and willingness to help others. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, often taking yearly trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and exploring the Black Hills. He also shared his love for riding with Kirsten and his children. Additionally, he was an avid hunter and fisherman, introducing his son Andrew to hunting at a young age. His quick wit, fun-loving personality, and great sense of humor fostered a wide circle of friends who knew they could count on him for help or companionship.
Darin is survived by his wife, Kirsten; son, Andrew; and daughter, Alyssa. He is also survived by his parents, Erv and Peg Schadler; brother, David; sister, Camelle (Ken) Bitz; father-in-law, Chris Hansen; brother-in-law, Kurt (Tonja) Hansen; nieces and nephews Samantha and Reed Sorenson, Greg Zimney, Alexandra (Will) Deane, and Robert (Randi Tivis) Hansen. Other surviving relatives include his aunt Sylvia, uncles Ruben Schadler and Allen Rivinius, and cousins Richard and Steve Schadler, Irene Greff, and Rhonda Schadler. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, great-grandparents, a great-uncle, a niece, and his mother-in-law, among others.
Visitation for Mr. Schadler will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, at Parkway Funeral Service, located at 2330 Tyler Parkway in Bismarck. A Funeral Service will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 904 8th Avenue Southeast in Mandan. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Carson, ND.
The family expressed gratitude to the staff at Mapleview Memory Care, Baptist Health and Rehab, and CaringEdge for their care. They also thanked family, friends, and coworkers for their support during this difficult time.
