Lonnie Darrel Schipman was born September 20, 1948 to Helen and Darrel Schipman in Scobey, Montana. He was the second oldest of thirteen children.
As a young child, Lonnie grew up helping his dad and Marvin Brookman work and train Brookman rodeo stock.
Lonnie started Little Britches Rodeo at the age of ten, later, he went on to High School Rodeo. After high school, he went on to amateur rodeo across many states. At that time, he also purchased his Montana Rodeo Association card. In 1968, he purchased his first Pro Rodeo Card. Lonnie rode saddle broncs, bulldogged, rode bulls, and team roped. He excelled in all, and won many buckles. His most prized was winning Montana Rodeo Association Saddle Bronc Champion in 1975.
Lonnie married Donna Marie Gossen in October 14, 1967. They had three sons, Stacy, Shawn, and Shayne. They resided in Eastern Montana and Dillon. In 1996, they made their final move back to Sidney.
Lonnie loved helping anyone involved in rodeo. From giving pointers, setting a bronc saddle, or adjusting a bronc rein. He was the best coach for his boys whether it be rodeo or boxing. Lonnie worked many different jobs from running heavy equipment to ranch work. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do.
One of Lonnie’s favorite past times was making his famous spurs, made out of horse shoeing rasps. He loved to tell you his list of Pro Rodeo cowboys and working cowboys who all wear his spurs. He loved to donate his spurs to help raise money at benefits for people.
If Lonnie wasn’t competing in rodeo, he was helping at the chutes. He pulled his first chute gate at the age of 14 and has been doing it ever since. One of his best pieces of advice, while he was working those chutes, was to say in his gruffest voice, “I don’t wanna see you get off till you hit that fence!”
In the last three years, Lonnie reconnected with a dear old friend, Vickie, who shared with the family stories of moving, branding and caring for the cows and horses.
There aren’t many people in the world that can say they’ve never done anyone wrong…but Lonnie can! He left everyone better than when he found them.
We are asking that if own a pair of Lonnie’s spurs, to please wear them to his service. If you are unable to attend, please wear them in whatever you might be doing at the time. We are curious to know how many pairs are out there. We ask that when you sign Lonnie’s book that you put spurs behind your name. If you cannot attend please text or call so we can get an idea of numbers. Thank you.


Lonnie is preceded in death by his parents Darrel and Helen, his wife Donna, his sister Sharla, and brother Landon. Lonnie is survived by: his sons, Stacey, Shawn (Racquel), and Shayne Schipman. Grandchildren: Jamie, Lauren, Jenna, Micah, Justin, Logan, Kendall, Gabe, and Wyatt. And, Lonnie’s special friend, Vickie Mecum. Lonnie’s siblings: Les (Barb), Lane (Mary Ann), Lee (Pam), Larry (Patty), and Lance Schipman, Joy(Roy) Neumiller, Onie (Rex) Taylor, Jaedee (Hardy) Braaten, Verda (Robert) Huber, and Sheena(Wayne) Hinniland, and many nieces and nephews.
Lonnie passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at his home from injuries from a fall.