Barbara Emma Schmit

Barbara Emma (Vrbka) Schmit passed away December 1st in North Platte, Nebraska. Barbara was born October 5th, 1922, in Ulysses, Nebraska to Lou and Emma Vrbka. She married Leonard on December 5th, 1944, in Nenzel Nebraska.

Barbara took piano and organ lessons and played in her first recital at age 4. When she turned 8 she started playing for weddings and Sunday mass and continued for many years after. Later she shared her talent and knowledge giving music lessons to numerous students of all ages. First in Waco and Beaver Crossing Nebraska and after moving she taught in Cody, Merriman and Martin South Dakota. She offered lessons on the piano, organ, accordion and guitar and was willing to learn and teach any musical instrument there was interest in.

In her spare time, she loved to embroidery and read. Barbara and Leonard loved to travel to Leonard's shipmates reunions all over the United States and especially visiting family.

She is preceded in death by parents Lou and Emma Vrbka, husband Leonard Schmit, brothers Robert and Maynard Vrbka.

She is survived by children Patricia (Gary) Priscilla (Russell) Pamela (Robin) David (Carol) and Paula (Taylor) 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Barbara Schmit, age 103 of Cody, NE on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM MT at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Nenzel, NE. The burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Nenzel. A rosary will be recited on Thursday, Dec. 4th at 7:00 PM MT at the Church. The visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the rosary.