Larry Lee Schmidt, 82, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, March 17, at 11:00 AM, at Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus with Rev. Cory Burma officiating.  Interment will be on Wednesday, March 19 at 11:00 AM at Roselawn Memorial Cemetery in Columbus.  Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.  Memorials may be directed to Peace Lutheran Church.

Larry Lee Schmidt was born April 10, 1942, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Carl and Louise (Behrens) Schmidt.  Larry graduated from Columbus High School and in 1964 moved to New York to work at the World's Fair and where; while attending church youth group, would meet the love of his life – Kathy Gramstedt.  Larry and Kathy were united in marriage on April 20, 1968, in Manhattan.  Shortly after they married, they moved to New Jersey where Larry worked as an accountant for 27 years.  Larry was excited to move back to his hometown of Columbus after his retirement in 2009.

Larry was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church in Columbus where he had been a member of several church organizations.  Larry enjoyed card club and participated in the Columbus Senior Center events and programs.

Larry is survived by:
Daughter – Erika (John) Finnegan of Henderson, TX
Grandchildren – Tyrese and Patrice
Sister – Jane Hansen of Columbus, NE
Many cousins

Larry was preceded in death by:
Parents – Carl and Louise Schmidt
Wife – Kathy Schmidt
Brother-in-law – Russell "Rusty" Hansen