Obituary: Dennis Lee Schmidt

Dennis Lee Schmidt was born July 12, 1950 in Smith Center to Ben and Berdena (McNulty) Schmidt.

He passed away October 8, 2023 at his home. As a child, his family resided in Riverton, NE until moving to Smith Center when Dennis was in second grade. He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1968, attended one year of technical college, and was drafted into the Army in 1970. He was then deployed to Vietnam where he served for one year.

He was united in marriage to Judith Nelssen in 1972. Of this union, two daughters were born. Amanda (T.J.) Lehmann and Melissa (Steven) Clark. Dennis was endlessly proud of his grandkids Nolan, Hayden, Emersyn, and Quintin Lehmann, Ella, Ever, and Lennox Clark.

He was employed at Mini Max Bakery and Warehouse until its closure. After they closed he worked for Hardman Lumber Company. Dennis then purchased the lumber yard and changed the name to Smith Center Building Center and ran it until his official retirement in 2020. Dennis enjoyed his employment in the lumber business for over 42 years. He loved his work, and looked forward to going to work every day to see his favorite customers.

When Dennis wasn’t busy at the lumber yard, he enjoyed working on many projects in his workshop. He could build the most beautiful furniture pieces, and wood was NEVER to be painted. His kids and grandkids knew they could always count on him to build or fix anything they wanted or needed. Dennis not only helped his family, but he would help anyone who needed his assistance. Many people didn’t know it but later in his life Dennis picked up a new hobby, drawing, and came to be quite a talented artist.

He was an avid sports fan who not only enjoyed watching his grandkids play for the local Redmen and Lady Red sports teams, but he was also an avid Nebraska Cornhusker fan. He also loved watching the Kansas City Royals and the Chiefs.

Beyond being a sports fan, while he was in good health he enjoyed the outdoors. Dennis loved to both hunt and fish.

Dennis is survived by his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. His brother Bennie (Dayla) Schmidt, brother Larry (Kay) Schmidt, sister in-law Linda Schmidt, brother in-law Jim (Stephanie) Nelssen, Sister in-law Janeen (Bob) Hughes, Sister in-law Traci Nelssen, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Stan, his sister Cheryl, his sister in-law Lynnette, his in-laws Vernie and Joyce Nelssen, brother in-law Jeff Nelssen, and niece Kelli.

Being a resident of Smith Center a majority of his life and running the lumber yard Dennis touched many lives and will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Source: Rentschler Family Mortuaries Simmons-Rentschler Mortuary