Edward Schmelzer, Jr

Edward William Schmelzer, Jr, was born March 6, 1927, in McCook, NE, the seventh child of Edward Sr. and Lula Mae (Cooley) Schmelzer. He passed from this life February 25, 2010 at home from COPD.

He was baptized March 9, 1927, in St Catherine's Hospital because he was thought not to live. His mother died when he was 3 months old and he was cared for by kind relatives until school age. He attended grade school at District 50 Hayes County and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1945. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith on August 9, 1942 at St. John Lutheran Church, White.

Edward enlisted in the US Navy for the duration of WWII and was stationed in Guam. He was honorably discharged July 24, 1946. He returned to Hayes County where he worked as a farm hand and then he rented from his father, the farm that his grandfather had homesteaded.

On April 24, 1951 he married Betty Jean Lenz at St. John Lutheran Church in Curtis. They made their home for 40 years on the homestead which they purchased in 1976 from his father's estate.

Edward was a progressive farmer being one of the first in the area to ecofallow corn. He raised quality Hereford cattle. After years fo helping maintaine a line telephone system, he carried a petition to get underground phone service. He was honored in 1985 by Aksarben as a Pioneer Farm Family.

Edward enjoyed good music and had a fine singing voice. He enjoyed sports and especially those that his children played, trying always to attend their games, musical programs and 4-H events. He served on the school board of District 50 as secretary and treasurer. He served his church as treasurer, elder and chairman. He was a helpful neighbor and enjoyed visiting with them.

Edward and Betty bought a home in Curtis in 1991 and retired from farming. He joined Arrowhead Meadows Golf Club and greatly enjoyed the game until his health failed. He also enjoyed many hours playing cards with the guys at the Feed Store in Maywood.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Mary, in-laws, Albert and Grace Lenz, brothers, Glenn and wife Anna, Howard and wives Vivian and Dolly, Donald and wife Clara, sister Sylvia Manchester and husband Herman.

He is survived by his wife Betty of Curtis, sons Douglas of Lincoln, NE, Mark (Nick Kanning) of Omaha, NE, daughters, Dian (Jeff) Pickherd of Lincoln, NE, Joanna (Ronald) Schott of Thorton, CO, Lisa Mallon of Curtis, grandchildren: Aaron Schott of Westminster, CO, Sara (Geoff) Downes of Ventura, CA, Chris Lawrence of Lincoln, NE, Rachel Pickerel of Lincoln, NE, great-grandson Nicholaus Schott and step great-grandson Stefan Dickie of Norcature, KS, brother Percy (Jeanne) Schmelzer of Fort Collins, CO, sister, Cora (Bob) Kern of Rialto, CA, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Memorial services are 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at St. John Lutheran Church, Curtis, NE, with Pastor Carl Pullmann officiating.

Inurnment at a later date at St. Lutheran Cemetery, Hayes County.

Blase-Strauser-Memorial Chapel in Curtis, NE, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.blasestrauser.com