Loran Schmit

1929 - 2025

Loran C. Schmit. Age 96, of Bellwood, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home, on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Loran was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He wished to be remembered first for his family, long friendships, and then as a farmer, pilot, and Nebraska State Senator.

Born August 14, 1929, to Nicholas C. and Loretta (Fohl) Schmit on the family farm, Loran's earliest memories were shaped by his strong Catholic faith, family, and farming. He often reflected with gratitude that, even during the Depression, his family raised everything they needed and still found ways to help those in need who arrived at the farm seeking work and shelter. These early lessons in resilience and kindness shaped him for life.

He began school in a one-room schoolhouse, District 36, and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus in 1945 at just 15 years of age, having skipped two grades. A proud member of Future Farmers of America, he was named Nebraska's FFA first "Star Farmer" in 1946. Too young to attend college immediately, he worked a year on the family farm before enrolling at the University of Nebraska in 1947, working his way through college and graduating in less than three years. While at the University he joined the Air National Guard which allowed him to earn his pilot's license.

In 1950, Loran married Irene "Rene" Jo Squire of Ashland, whom he always described as "the most beautiful girl he ever met." Together they raised ten children, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and faith-a legacy that grew even deeper as they became grandparents and great-grandparents. They also welcomed many foreign exchange students, opening their home and hearts to young people from around the world. This hospitality and openness to other cultures, blossomed into a truly international family, with children and grandchildren marrying spouses from eight different countries. His love of flying was also passed on, with two grandsons becoming professional pilots.

Loran served with distinction in the Nebraska Legislature from 1969 until 1993. A visionary, his persistence helped shape agriculture, natural resources, banking, healthcare and childcare authoring many significant bills. In 1971, he introduced LB 776, establishing the Agricultural Products Industrial Utilization Committee-later the Nebraska Ethanol Board. Nebraska became the first state in the nation to create an agency dedicated to promoting ethanol as a renewable fuel, earning him the title "Father of Ethanol". What began with some skepticism, rapidly gained support in Nebraska as well as neighboring states and grew into a thriving national industry, strengthening rural communities and the Midwest's economy. Loran continued to advocate for the Ethanol industry for many years after leaving the Senate, both statewide and nationally.

That same year, he also sponsored LB 101, Nebraska's first Physician Assistants Bill, which allocated funds at UNMC to launch the state's first PA program. Nebraska became the first state in the nation to require its medical college to establish such a program, greatly expanding healthcare access in both rural and urban communities.

A fierce advocate of Nebraska's natural resources particularly its water supply, he wrote legislation that created the Department of Environmental Control, as well as the legislation that authorized the four lane Expressways throughout the state. He was often noted for challenging the nation's large grocery chains when they were caught fixing the price of beef, which resulted in a settlement for the nation's farmers and an agreement to cease and desist.

As a champion for families, Loran was instrumental in strengthening the enforcement of child support orders. Deeply pro-life, he also believed in providing care for children in need. His strong moral compass also led him to advocate for the repeal of the death penalty, fearing that an innocent person could be executed due to inadequate legal representation.

Widely respected as both statesman and orator, he was known for building friendships across the aisle. Though he sparred publicly on legislation, he maintained genuine friendships beyond the chamber, a reflection of his integrity and humor. He was inducted in 1980 into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement lauded by then Governor Charlie Thone, saying that "one person who chooses to do so, can make a difference".

Loran's life was marked by courage, ingenuity, adventure and an element of risk. After just three helicopter lessons, he launched an aerial spraying business. In the spring of 1969 and again in 1971, when flooding from ice jams on the Platte River threatened property and livestock, he volunteered his own helicopter for service. With an explosive expert riding alongside, Loran flew and together they lit fuses and placed dynamite directly on the ice jams from Fremont upriver to the west until the jams were cleared. Their daring effort cleared the river channel, preventing catastrophic flooding and leaving his family with one of many legendary stories.

Though his contributions to agriculture, healthcare, and public service were far-reaching, Loran's greatest legacy remains his love of family, his quick wit, and his unwavering dedication to helping others. Through his life he received countless awards and recognition but the ones that meant the most to him were Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and "Pop Pop".

Loran was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Loretta Schmit; wife Irene (Squire); Daughter Julie Schmit-Albin, Son Michael Schmit, Daughter in law Catalina Schmit; Brother Dwaine Schmit and Sister Bernice Schmit Peck. He is survived by Daughter Marcia Schmit, Mesa AZ, Son Steve (Diane) Schmit, David City NE, Mary Schmit, Bellwood NE, Son in Law John (Lupe)Albin, Lincoln NE, Son John Schmit (Alejandra) Wichita KS, Daughters Michele Schmit, Bellwood NE, Susan( Kathryn) Schmit, Tacoma WA, Jean (Kevin) Hopwood, Orlando FL, Lorin Schmit (John) Dunlop Lake Oswego OR; Sisters Marie Homan Omaha, Cece Smith Omaha, Jeanie Schmit Kayser (Theo) Jones San Francisco, CA, Brother Harry (Sharon) Schmit, Bellwood NE; Sisters in Law Jerri (Darwin) Hoeft, Custer SD and Shirley Squire, Waldport OR; Fourteen Grandchildren; nine Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Loran requested that his body be donated to the UNMC medical program as his last personal support of the Physicians Assistants college.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday October 17th at St Peter's Catholic Church, Bellwood Nebraska, with a Rosary starting at 10:00 and a Mass at 10:30, followed by a Luncheon.

Memorials can be dedicated in lieu of flowers to: St Peters Catholic Church, Bellwood Nebraska; The Bellwood Volunteer Fire Department, UNMC Physician's Assistant Program; or Future Farmers of America Scholarship Fund.