Donald D. “Don” Schmidt, 94, of North Platte, Nebraska passed away on July 22, 2024 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was born July 19, 1930 to Charles and Ann Schmidt in Cozad, Nebraska.
Don was raised in Blue Hill, Nebraska. In 1952 he entered the Marines. He served in Korea, where he earned a Purple Heart and the following honors: Unit Korean War Service, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean Service Medal, National Defense United Nations Service Medal. After his discharge in 1954 Don moved to North Platte. He drove a truck most of his life and worked for the State of Nebraska from 1998-2010. Don married Sandra Creech. To this union 4 children were born: Wesley, Rodney, Cynthia and Mark. On May 27, 1963 he married Dorothy Lunkwitz and to this union, 3 children were added: Terry, Joni and Gary. He was a member of the 1st Lutheran Church since 1983. Don enjoyed pheasant hunting, fishing, playing pool and shuffleboard and enjoyed going gambling in Nevada. He was a member of VFW, American Legion and the Moose Lodge. Don was an avid Husker fan.
A memorial has been established in his name. Online condolences may be shared at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. For those who are unable to attend the service will be live streamed on our website at www.adamsswanson.com.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy; 6 children, Wesley (Stacy) Schmidt, Hot Springs, South Dakota, Cynthia (Rupert) Garza San Benito, Texas, Mark (Cindy) Schmidt, Minatare, Nebraska, Terry (Jeanne) Thayer, Riverton, Wyoming, Joni (Jack) Chandry, Wichita Kansas, Gary (Roxanne) Thayer, North Platte, Nebraska; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law’s, Floyd (Pauline) Lunkwitz, Twin Falls, Indiana, Gene Lunkwitz, Paxton, Nebraska; and the love of his life, Lilly his four legged friend; along with numerous other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Joney (Mildred) Lunkwitz; sisters, Leora Prout, Viola Thompsen; son, Rodney Schmidt; sister-in-law’s & brother in law’s, Sonja (Bob) Stone; Little Lois Lunkwitz, Big Lois Lunkwitz, Lawrence (Carolyn) Mueller.
Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 A.M., Thursday, August 1, 2024 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Rev. Patrick Sipes officiating. Burial will follow the service at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell. Nebraska. Visitation will be noon -7, with family receiving friends from 5-7, Wednesday, July 31 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home who is assisting the family.