Ronald E. Schmidt, 75, of rural Minatare NE passed away Sunday, February 6, 2022 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff NE, after receiving a cancer diagnosis one month prior. A family prayer service will be at 6:00 pm on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel, with public visitation from 4:00-6:00 pm. Ronn’s funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Calvary Lutheran church with Pastor Chris Beyer Kester officiating. Burial will take place immediately following at Fairview cemetery, Scottsbluff. Services will be live-streamed on https://www.calvarylutheranscottsbluff.org/.
Ronn was born on October 6, 1946 in Scottsbluff to Harry and Irene (Schwab) Schmidt. He graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1964. After high school Ronn succeeded in various business ventures including Ronz Drive-In, LittleOnes Woodworking and the last 17 years, The Potato Seller concession trailer. He also drove re-haul sugar beet campaigns the past several years, enjoying the comradery of his fellow drivers.
Ronn married Kim Bergstrom on December 17, 1984. They had 2 sons, Brock and Brett, who Ronn was immensely close to and so very proud of.
In Ronn’s younger years he played softball, gaining life-long friendships with fellow teammates. He was also on bowling leagues for a number of years, again gaining life-long friendships. Fishing became one of Ronn’s favorite pastimes when time allowed, although he always allowed for time with his son Brock, catching walleye at Lake Minatare, a pastime Brock will pass on to his son Bryce. Time was also always allowed for Ronn to spend countless hours at basketball and softball games, proudly watching his son Brett, and of course coaching and refereeing from the stands. The past few years when Ronn and Kim had an open Friday evening, they were typically found at Backaracks Bar and Grill for supper. Ronn was very excited for his daughter Tammy’s new business venture as part-owner of Racks.
From May through October, Ronn and Kim worked side by side in their concession trailer, often times traveling to and from events with friends, and excited to meet up with friendships gained at each event.
Ronn is survived by his wife Kim and their 2 sons Brock (Allison) Schmidt, grandson Bryce, and Brett Schmidt. Ronn is also survived by his daughters Lori (Ken) Redding, grandchildren Josh (Alex) and Ashton (Edwardo) Herrera, Tammy Cooley, grandchildren Nicholas (Hannah), Michael (Fiancé Chloe) and Sadie, Kim (Sean) Sanders, grandchildren Jessika, Gabe and Tanna, along with their spouses and children. Mother-in-law Connie Bergstrom, brother and sister-in laws, Tricia Gegelman (Greg), David (Colleen) Bergstrom, Tim (Sandy) Bergstrom, and Michelle (Bud) Crosby, along with his special nieces and nephews.
Ronn was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Irene and his sister Bonnie Kaye. Father-in-law Donald Bergstrom, brother-in-law Larry Gegelman and his precious 3 ½ month old granddaughter Charli Schmidt.
A special thank you to Dr. Vince Bjorling and APRN Sue Schoeneman, for their compassion and support through Ronn’s quick journey with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be granted to the Festival of Hope or Calvary Lutheran Church.