Gary Lawrence Schmitz

1942 - 2025

Gary Lawrence Schmitz, 83, of Anselmo, Neb., passed away June 9, 2025, at Jennie M Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow.

Gary was born May 10, 1942, on the home place Southwest of Anselmo, known as Ortello Valley, to Lawrence "Bus" and Mary J. (Mohatt) Schmitz.

He was educated in country school, attended Anselmo until it closed and then went to Merna to finish high school and graduate in 1960.

After high school, he went to Technical School in Denver, Colo., from there he was employed at IBM Corporation for more than 30 years.

Upon retirement, he returned to Broken Bow and later put a home at the Schmitz Homestead southwest of Anselmo.

Gary enjoyed gardening, caring for St. Anselm's yard and cemetery, also their Pinochle card club in Broken Bow and was an avid Miami Dolphins Football Fan.

Gary is survived by his wife Shirley of 56 years; sons - Todd Schmitz and Trevor Schmitz; daughter Tracey Gau; stepchildren David (Kay) Ward and Diane Ward (Mike Nowicki); six grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn Mayne of Tucson, Ariz.; many extended family members; and friends.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Bus and Mary; grandparents - John and Ada, Charles and Anna Mohatt; aunts; and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 16, at 10 a.m. at the St. Anselm's Catholic Church in Anselmo.

Burial will follow in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Broken Bow.

Memorials are suggested to St. Anselm's Catholic Church.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 15, from 5 – 6 p.m., and Rosary at 6 p.m. at St. Anselm's Catholic Church in Anselmo.

Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Online words of remembrance or encouragement may be left at www.govierbrothers.com.