Funeral Services for Walter “Leroy” Schmidt will be held on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Jean Clayton officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege, with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the Army National Guard Funeral Honors Team.
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Schmidt family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend the visitation and funeral service, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. Leroy’s funeral service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622).
Walter Leroy Schmidt, 77 years of age, of Holdrege, died on Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska. Leroy was born on October 23, 1943, in Minden, Nebraska, the third of four children born to Walter Joseph and Florence Hazel (Bent) Schmidt. He was baptized at the Presbyterian Church in Campbell, Nebraska. Leroy was raised in Norman, Nebraska, and received his primary education from Campbell and Norman schools, and then attended Minden High School, graduating with the class of 1961.
In 1963, Leroy enlisted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia, and was a member of the 2nd Army Rifle Team, and was later honorably discharged.
On November 27, 1966, Leroy was united in marriage to Janet Kay Schroeder at the United Methodist Church in Oxford, Nebraska. They were blessed with two sons: Jay and Jeffrey. The couple made their home in Minden, where Leroy began working for the CNPPID as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Leroy later transferred to Holdrege in 1972, and in 2006, he retired from CNPPID with 39 years of service.
In his free time, Leroy enjoyed wood working and many building projects with his sons. He was a master wood-worker and enjoyed building cabinets and wood toys. Leroy was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years, the Fraternal Order of Eagles AERIE #3132 of Holdrege, the Holdrege Elks Lodge, and the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law; a sister, Joyce King and her husband, Bill; one sister-in-law, Joann Warrick and her husband, Roland; two brothers-in-law: Arnold Groothuis; and Robert Broeker; and a nephew, Keith Broeker.
Leroy leaves to celebrate his life; his wife of 55 years, Janet Schmidt of Holdrege; two sons: Jay Schmidt and his wife, Christine of North Platte, Nebraska; and Jeff Schmidt of Kearney, Nebraska; five grandchildren: Nicole Kramer and her husband, Charles of Hastings, Nebraska; Brett Schmidt and his wife, Nikki of North Platte; Megan Schmidt of Axtell, Nebraska; Matthew Schmidt of North Platte; and Jordan Schmidt of Lincoln, Nebraska; five great-grandchildren: Jayleigh, Emmet, and Lily Kramer; and Rohan and Elliott Schmidt; two sisters: Ruby Groothuis of Funk, Nebraska; and Carol Porter of Grand Island, Nebraska; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, with the family present.
A memorial has been established in Leroy’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.