Lester Schmidt

Lester E. "Bud" Schmidt, 86, of Franklin died Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Franklin.

Bud was born April 12, 1923. He attended District 20, Spring Valley School and graduated from Franklin High School in 1940. He entered the Navy on April 12, 1943 and served during World War II on the USS Reno and was discharged on April 18, 1946. After returning to Franklin, he was a partner in Schmidt Transfer with his brother Raymond. After a few years, he returned to the family farm until his retirement. Even after retirement he enjoyed truck driving for various farmers in the community.

On August 4, 1950, he was united in marriage to Helen Steinkruger. To this union six children were born; Sheila, Alan, Jim, Douglas, Mark and Tammie.

Bud was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles and Stella; son, Douglas; brothers, Dick, Howard and Raymond; sisters, Ella Black, Pauline Hamilton and Sylvia Schafer.

Survivors are his wife, Helen; children Sheila Schmidt of Kansas City, Mo.; Alan Schmidt of Riverton; Jim Schmidt and wife Donna of Avard, OK; Mark Schmidt and wife Kathy of Franklin; Tammie Awtry and husband Phil of Columbus, NE. Grandchildren Cory Schmidt and wife Rachel, Danny Schmidt, Douglas Schmidt, Mike Awtry, Kale Schmidt, Matt Awtry, Emily Schmidt, Hannah Awtry, and Richelle Schmidt. Great grandchildren are Brett and Lauren Schmidt. He is also survived by two sisters, Bertha Bartels of Franklin and Dorothy Steinkruger of Kearney. Bud will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at Franklin United Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Zeigler officiating. Visitation will be from
2 PM to 5 PM Sunday, April 11, 2010 and 8 AM to 8 PM Monday, April 12, 2010 at Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery, Franklin, Nebraska. The family suggests memorials to Franklin County Memorial Hospital or United Methodist Church in Franklin, Nebraska.