Albert Lawrence "Bert" Shomento, 79, longtime Minot businessman and community leader, died on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at his home in Minot surrounded by his loving family.

Bert was born on August 24, 1939, in Hibbing, MN, to Albert and Carmella (Perella) Shomento. He was raised in Nashwauk, MN, and graduated from Nashwauk High School and Hibbing Junior College. In 1959, at the age of 20, he and his mother opened Sammy's Pizza Palace on West Central Avenue in Minot. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1960 and attended Minot State Teachers College.

Bert met his soulmate, Anna Marie Schneider, when they were both playing trumpet at a Minot City Band concert at Trinity Nursing Home. His father was the director of the band. They were married at First Presbyterian Church in Minot on February 2, 1964. They purchased a home in Minot which remained their residence for 51 years and where they raised their four children: Bill, Gina, Tony and Maria.

Bert was an innovative community leader. As president of the Minot Music Boosters, he spearheaded concerts by Maynard Ferguson and the Tommy Dorsey Band and started the "Taste of Minot" in 1983. He served, along with Bob Schemp and Jim Maragos, as a comptroller for for-profit booths at the Norsk Hostfest. He also started the "Spud-Hog" booth for the Red Cross at the Hostfest. In 1978, Bert was named the "Elk of the Year" by the Minot Elks Lodge for his work in reviving and managing the Minot Elks Band. He served on the boards of Minot Music Boosters, Minot Elks Band, American Red Cross local chapter and Minot Commission on Aging.

An outstanding trumpet player at an early age, Bert was frequently called upon to play for circuses, ice shows and dance bands. He was a member of the Minot City Band and performed with the Minot Elks concert and dance bands for over 50 years. He and Anna Marie shared their love for music throughout their 54-year marriage.

After 41 years as a businessman, Bert retired from Sammy's Pizza in 2000. The years that followed were ones of wonderful travel experiences, including trips to Cancun and Jamaica with all 17 members of his family.

An avid hunter, Bert relished his annual deer-hunting camp with his hunting pals, his sons and his grandsons. His favorite spot on earth was the cabin on Lake McArthur in the Turtle Mountains which he and his family built in 1980.

Bert will always be remembered for his sage advice, his kindness, his sense of humor and his endless generosity.

Bert's loving family includes his wife of 54 years, Anna Marie; his children Colonel William (Dr. Stacy) Shomento of Bozeman, MT, Gina Gerling of Plymouth, MN, Tony (Teri) Shomento of Devils Lake, ND, and Maria Shomento (Mark Sontag) of Fargo, ND; his grandchildren Sofia, Anya, Henry, Samuel, Jacob and Jyles Shomento and Cameron and Maria Gerling; his sisters Denise (Jim) Schullo of Hibbing, MN, and Betty (Tom) Meade of Minneapolis, MN; his brother David (Tarryll) Shomento of Minot, ND; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life service : Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. in Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: At his request, there will not be a reviewal, however friends may sign a memorial register book and visit with family on Friday, September 21, 2018, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Bert's favorite charity, St Jude's Hospital for Children or Trinity Health Hospice.

Bert Shomento Flowers