02 February 2000

William Conrad Schmidt of Dorchester, died Friday, Jan. 21, 2000, at Bryan/LGH East in Lincoln at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 7days.

He was born Sept.14, 1917, on a farm near Dorchester in Saline County, to William Henry and Kathrina "Kathryn" (Kleinholz) Schmidt. As a young boy, William attended country school. He later was united in marriage to Helen Steffensen in Goehner in 1942. To this union a daughter, Marilyn was born.

Together they made their home on a farm near where he was born. Bill recently retired from active farming, however, he continued to enjoy working with friends. Whenever Bill had the opportunity, he loved to hunt, shoot blue-rock, play cards and especially go dancing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen in 1974; daughter, Marilyn Little in 1994; infant grandson, LeRoy William, and infant granddaughter, Joan Lee; brother, George Schmidt; and sister, Grace (McBride) Bender.

William is survived by his granddaughter, Helen (Jim) Price of York; grandson, William Little of Bloomfield; and a great-granddaughter, Megan Marie Little; a very special friend, Bertha Justa of Crete; sister-in-law, Erma Schmidt of Kimball; brothers/sisters-in-law, Glen Steffensen and his wife, LaJean of Friend and son-in-law, Ivan Little of Geneva; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000 at Dorchester United Methodist Church in Dorchester with Rev. Patricia Kelley officiating.

Interment was in Andrew Cemetery in Friend.

Casketbearers were Edward Vocasek, Allen Papik, Jack Beekley, Gary Palky, Don Ehrisman, and Glenn Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers were Arthur Horky, Don Brubacher, Glen Steffensen, Albert Hrdlicka, Frank Bosak, and Frank Juricek.

Shirley Milton, organist, accompanied Randy Kaliff, soloist, as he sang "In The Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross". The congregation sang "How Great Thou Art and 'Hymn Of Promise".

Memorials are directed in care of the family.

Lauber-Moore Funeral Home of Friend was in charge of the arrangements.