Orley "Jim" Schmidt

Orley “Jim” Schmidt, the son of Dorothy (Jackson) and Orley Schmidt, was born December 23, 1939 south of Riverton, Nebraska in Franklin county. Jim departed this life on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud, Nebraska at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 15 days.

A lifelong resident of the Riverton area, he received his formal education attending the Riverton school and graduated with the class of 1957. A veteran of the United States Army, Jim enlisted to serve his country and following four years of duty he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sp4.

Jim was employed farming for Ralph Minnick and later worked with Bill Bach. He then went to work with Franklin County operating heavy equipment for a career that spanned 40 years. Jim served his community for many years as fire chief and was also the past commander of the Riverton Legion Post. He enjoyed mowing and proudly took care of the maintenance of the Riverton cemetery for many years. In his leisure time he looked forward to driving his Polaris with the companionship of his dog, Babe.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Orley and Dorothy Schmidt, and a brother, Tom Schmidt.

Left to treasure his memory are his brothers, Jack Schmidt and wife, Mai, of Riverton, Nebraska, and Bill Schmidt and wife, Gloria, of Gibbon, Nebraska; a sister, Joan Brooks and husband, Cecil, of Red Cloud; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a legion of friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, 10:30 am, October 24, 2019 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Red Cloud with Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes officiating. Interment with military honors will be at the Riverton Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud, and Thursday, 8:00 am to service time at the church.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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