Gary Lee Schmidt

Gary Lee Schmidt, 72, Fairbury, went to his final resting place on December 29, 2012 at Gardenside Nursing Home due to health complications. He was born on December 27, 1940 in Deshler, Ne to Herman and Adeline (Eberhart) Schmidt. He grew up on a farm in Thayer County then later moved to Fairbury where he attended Fairbury Public Schools. In 1961 he married Joyce Elits to which 3 children were born to this union. He had several jobs over his lifetime including: setting bowling pins at Play-Mor Lanes, delivering milk for Corbett's Dairy, digging graves by hand in the evening, serving as a Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff before starting his lifelong career of 40 years as a owner/operator of Schmidt's Milk Route later to be known as Schmidt's, Inc. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge in Fairbury and President of the Fairbury Cemetery Association up to the time of his death.



He is survived by wife of 51 years, daughter Kim (Schmidt) Bush and husband Alan, son Kevin Schmidt and wife, Monica of Fairbury, daughter Kendra (Schmidt) Weers and husband, Darin of Diller. Grandchildren include Dustin, Nathan and fiance', Lindsey Krings, and Devan Schmidt, Kaitlin Bush, Neleigh, Esdon and Myleigh Weers. Great Grandchildren include Malik, Kelbie, Meigha and Easton. Sisters include: Marilee Perri of Chatsworth, CA, Mary Wiegert and husband Harold, Cheryl Swartz and husband Mike all of Fairbury, Janet Jantzen and husband Ron of Jansen, Barb Alwin and husband Steve of Colby, KS, Fay Malchow and husband Roy of Beatrice. Brothers include: Dennis and wife Kathy of Robinson, KS, Roger and wife Sharon, Jim and wife Janice all of Fairbury, Harry and wife Joan of Beatrice. Sisters-in-law, Connie Hoover, Marcia Kirchoff and husband, Greg, all of Wilber, Sherrie Shultz and husband, James of Fairbury, Carol Dormer and husband Jim of Lincoln. Brothers-in-law include: Sidney Elits of Fairbury and Leonard Gastmann of Lincoln and numerous nieces and nephews.



He is preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, a sister-in-law, two brother-in-laws and a nephew.


Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fairbury with Pastor Warren Schoming officiating. Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.