Earl Edmond Schmidt

Earl Edmond Schmidt, the son of Emil and Elsie (Leavitt) Schmidt, was born at the family farm near Daykin, Nebraska on November 9, 1923. He died at Fairbury on October 2, 2014 at the age of 90.

Earl attended District 24 through his 8th grade, Helvey School to 10th and graduated from Fairbury High School in 1941. He married Ruth. E. Zabel on March 10, 1946 and they lived and farmed at his birthplace until November of 2008, when they moved to Fairbury.

Earl and Ruth were blessed with five children: Connie (who died in an accident in 1954), Eugene, Larry, Douglas and Roger. Earl was a member of the Helvey United Methodist Church until it closed in 1986. In 1987, he joined the Fairbury First Christian Church. He served these churches as Sunday School Superintendent, trustee, elder and deacon. He enjoyed singing in choirs and especially singing with the Helvey area men’s octet in the 1950’s. Eight hard working farmers faithfully practiced and sang the Blackwood Brothers gospel songs to the enjoyment of all. One of his favorite songs was “Have a Little Talk with Jesus”.

Earl and Ruth enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii and Alaska with local tours. They were members and officers of the Endicott Square Dance Club and danced for 20 years, adding more new friends to their lives. They celebrated their 40th anniversary with a special square dance.

Earl was a dedicated farmer and deeply appreciated the many hours of help provided by his sons and grandsons. He raised and fed many cattle through the years, just as his father did. This gave him much satisfaction. In his last years he seemed to forget the hard work when he said, “those were the best years of my life!” Along with the hard work, was the joy of family gatherings, playing games, traveling and enjoying life, a good balance.

Preceding him in death were his parents, infant brother, Lawrence,
daughter, Connie, sisters Leola Schmidt, Ethel Austin and Edith Witt, brothers-in law Osa Witt, Harley Austin and Harold Zabel, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Christie.

Survivors include wife Ruth, sons Eugene and wife Rose of Littleton, CO., Larry and wife Nancy of Fairbury, Douglas of Lawton, OK., and Roger and wife Brigitte of Middlebury, VT.; seven grandchildren Brian Schmidt and wife Sasha of Lincoln, NE., Pastor Michael Schmidt of Minden, NE., Lori Cox and husband Wayne of Centennial, CO., Cassie Musil and husband Scott of Central City, NE., David Schmidt of Littleton, Co., Richard of Lawton, OK., and Jennifer and husband Evan Schmidt also of Lawton, OK. Six great-grandchildren, Ricky and Robert Schmidt, Sarah, Thomas and Lukas Musil, and Katelynn Schmidt, sister-in-law Ruby Zabel, nephews and nieces.

Services will be Monday October 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Fairbury with Darlene Novotny and Pastor Michael Schmidt officiating. The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday October 5th at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home. Memorials will go to the Christian Church or Ascera Care Hospice. Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury is in charge of the arrangements.