Louie Schmitt

Richard Louis “Louie” Schmitt, 97, of Gordon, Nebraska died on August 23, 2021. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Gordon, Nebraska, with Father Dan Gilbert officiating. A vigil service will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at 6:30 PM at Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home in Gordon, Nebraska. Internment will be at the Gordon Cemetery in Gordon, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been directed to the Gordon Volunteer Fire Department. Donations can be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 336, Gordon, NE 69343.

Louis is survived by his nieces and nephews: Lorraine (Bill) Hendrickson of Mitchell, Nebraska, Stephen (Patty) Schmitt of Chadron, Nebraska, Maureen (Clark) Merritt of Alliance, Nebraska; Michael (Glenda) Schmitt of Mitchell, Nebraska; 10 great nieces and nephews and 10 great-great nieces and nephews.

Louis was born on July 7, 1924 at his grandparents’ home in Gordon, Nebraska, to George and Bernice (Heelan) Schmitt.

He attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Gordon High School, class of 1942.

He volunteered for duty with the U.S. Armed Services in 1943. He graduated from Creighton University in 1947.

Upon graduation he worked for his uncle John Schmitt’s clothing store in Williston, North Dakota until the blizzard of ’49 when his dad called him home to the ranch, this turned into a 70-year ranching career.

Lou was a man of few words, but when he spoke you knew where he stood. He loved Hereford cattle, spring rains, good meals and phone conversations in the evening. He cursed land taxes, high winds, low prices and cold coffee.

He had an illustrious life and the stories about him will last a long time.