Gary Allen Schmidt

Gary A. Schmidt, 73, Blue Hill, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Mary Lanning Healthcare, Hastings, Nebraska.  Service will be Thursday, May 28, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Pastor Steve Lund Officiating.  Private family burial will take place at a later date.  Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska and one hour prior to service at the church.  A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date.  The service will be livestreamed on Merten-Butler Mortuary’s website.  To view the service go to Gary’s obituary and click on the play button towards the bottom of the page.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is serving the family.

Gary A. Schmidt was born in Campbell, NE to Leonard & Wilma (Johnson) Schmidt on July 22, 1952. They lived near Holstein. Gary attended Holstein School until 5th grade. The family relocated to Hastings where he graduated from Hastings High in 1971. Gary worked at Allens in Hastings in maintenance and later worked at Fleming Manufacturing as a welder. Gary was an accomplished welder and could build or repair most anything the farmers needed. He worked at Hastings Irrigation alongside his dad for about 25 years. Gary later opened his own shop, Perfection Welding & Car Wash in Blue Hill where he worked until his retirement in 2000.

Gary married Marlys Gerdes on April 1, 1972. They had 3 daughters that were born to this union.

Gary’s hobbies were working on his old hot rod, riding motorcycle, welding, and spending time with his children and their families.

Gary was a previous member of Immanuel Lutheran and transferred membership to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Hill where he served on church council, youth sponsor, assisted with the food pantry, and a member of Adult Forum. He was also a member of the Blue Hill Volunteer Fire Department and drove for the ambulance.

Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marlys; daughters, Stacie Schmidt, Kerrie Best, and Carisa & Tim Hoffman; grandchildren Tyler (Danielle) Schmidt, Dalton (Heather Benge) Best, Draden (Jada) Best, Krista Best, Timothy Hoffman Jr., Cadence Hoffman, Christianna Hoffman, and Charity Hoffman; great grandchildren Emerson Schmidt, Berkley Schmidt, Kyson Schmidt, Huxley Schmidt, and Knox Best; sisters Vickie (David) Gerloff and Brenda Hayworth; brother-in-law David (Joy) Gerdes; sisters-in-law Ellen Koger and Michele (Dan) Brandenburger; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Gary was preceded in death by his dad and mom Leonard and Wilma Schmidt, his in laws Frank and Ilene Gerdes, his infant great granddaughter Amelia Noelle Best.

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