JL (John) Schmidt, 77

December 20, 1946 - April 21, 2024

JL was first and foremost a Christ-follower, then a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.  JL married Pamela Ury Schmidt June 14, 1975, in North Platte, NE.  He made his living as a reporter, editor and freelancer for more than 40 years.  He met several presidents during his tenure at the Associated Press. He worked at the Lincoln Star, and at newspapers in Scottsbluff, and Peru, Nebraska.

He enjoyed encore careers in downtown redevelopment (Nebraska Main Street), historic preservation (Heritage Nebraska), and as the founding director-curator of the Classic Car Collection in Kearney, which he called his dream job.  He also wrote a weekly column on state government for Nebraska newspapers called “Capitol View” for the Nebraska Press Association.

John was a deacon, Sunday School teacher, recovery group leader, and chair/member of numerous church boards and committees.  He loved teaching about forgiveness and had a heart for people who had hurts, hang-ups, and habits.  He prayed out loud for friends and family from his hospital bed until the very end.

He was very creative, and drew designs on his sons’ lunch sacks for years, much to the delight of their lunchmates and even some teachers.  He also was a gifted story teller.

He is survived by his wife, sons Ryan (Meghan) Schmidt and Tyler Schmidt of Lincoln; sister Yvonne Alexander of Denver; granddaughters Annika Bowman of North Platte and Lennon Layne Schmidt of Lincoln.  Preceded in death by parents Leslie and Esther Schmidt; brother Roger; and sister Barbara Estergard of Nixa, Missouri.

Celebration of life: Saturday, May 4, 10:30 am, Southview Baptist Church, 3434 S 13th St., Lincoln, NE.  Lunch reception follows.  Private burial in Chapman, Nebraska, Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Southview Baptist Church for later designation to recovery ministries.   - 30 -

Note:  Old-timers in the newspaper business would end a story with -30- to indicate no more information was to follow.  It likely dates to the days of the telegraph around the American Civil War.  The number 30 was used as the shorthand for “end” or “no more” in Western Union's “92 Code,” produced in 1859.  For newspapers, it told the typesetters that this was the end of the story.  Although JL’s story on earth is now over, his story in heaven has only begun.

From Kathy Dickson:

Should you wish to share a story of John, or relay your condolence, write to Pamela at:  PamelaSchmidt214@mail.com

Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home:   lincolnfh.com

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/lincoln-ne/john-schmidt-11780521