Irene Schmidt

Irene May Schmidt, 71, passed away on February 09, 2026 at Callaway District Hospital in Callaway, NE.

Irene was born on July 1, 1954 in North Platte, NE the sixth child of Marion and Goldie (Small) Kautz. She grew up in North Platte, Hershey, and rural Sutherland. She attended school in North Platte, and Hershey. In 1992 she received her GED with great excitement.

Irene married Rolland (Dean) Piel Sr on February 5, 1971 to this union three children were born: Rolland Jr, Wendy, and Goldie. They later divorced and she married Ernest Schmidt on April 14, 1991 and to this union they adopted David Schmidt.

Irene worked a variety of jobs. Her favorites were working for her brother and sister-in-law Dave and Joyce Kautz, then she enjoyed working at Darr feedlot.

Irene is survived by her husband Ernest Schmidt of Gothenburg, three children, Rolland Piel Jr. of Huron, SD, Goldie (Randy) Judd of Gothenburg, and David Schmidt of Gothenburg, Sister, Bev Wegner of North Platte, brother, David (Joyce) Kautz of Missouri, special friends, Fran Linegar, Carolyn Gant, Donna Copeland, Dianne Hardee, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She also leaves behind her yorkie Tiny.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, grandparents, Benjamin and Lydia Kautz and Charles and Viola Small, brothers, Alvin Lee Roy kautz, George Kautz, Bill Kautz, daughter Wendy Hilton, and very special friend and mother-in-law Mary Schmidt.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel with Pastor Dan Urman officiating.

Burial will take place in the Miller Cemetery near Tryon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church, or the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department.