Joyce Schmitt Obituary
Joyce Schmitt, 86, of Grant, Nebraska, passed away on August 27, 2025.
Joyce was born on October 13, 1938, in Rupert, Idaho, to Ernest and Irene (Willard) Fosbinder. She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1956.
On May 29, 1957, Joyce was united in marriage to Lawrence Poppe. Together, they were blessed with six sons: Kevin, Mark, Craig, Kyle, Steve, and Joel. Lawrence passed away on September 30, 1971. Joyce devoted herself to raising her boys and later married Larry Schmitt in 1973. To this union, a son, Justin, was born in 1974.
In 1975, the family moved to a ranch in Oshkosh, Nebraska, where Joyce continued to embrace the joys and challenges of rural life. Later, the family moved to Lake Maloney in North Platte. After Larry's passing on March 19, 1998, Joyce continued her journey, making her mark as a registered nurse.
Joyce returned to college to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse, earning her LPN degree in Alliance, NE, and later her RN degree in Colby, KS. She worked as a nurse in Oshkosh, North Platte, Mullen, Hastings, Henderson, and Grant, and especially found fulfillment in her years of hospice work. She loved caring for others, offering comfort and compassion during the final stages of life.
Her strong faith was a source of strength throughout her life. Joyce was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, where her faith carried her through many challenges.
She loved nursing, following her sons and grandchildren in their sporting events, her hospice work, and even joking about her love of moving. Above all, her greatest joy came from her family.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband Lawrence Poppe, son Mark Poppe, husband Larry Schmitt, granddaughter Amanda Poppe Johnson, brothers Robert and Dick Fosbinder, brothers-in-law Orville and LaVern Poppe, and sisters-in-law Marilyn and Pauline Poppe.
Joyce's legacy of faith, love, and service lives on in her family and in the many lives she touched through her nursing and hospice work.
She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and (great-grandchildren):
• Kevin & Monica Poppe - Lauren & Jeremy Klima (Isla and Elle), Adrianne Poppe
• Craig & Evonne Poppe - Jennifer & Derek Stafford (Jordyn & Dawson), (Keller Johnson)
• Kyle & Lori Poppe - Lindsey & Jake Amerine, Kara & Gil Russell (Luke, Rori & Sophie)
• Steve & Paula Poppe - Carsyn, Logan & Jack
• Joel & Sol Poppe - Yordy & Kendra
• Justin & Dawn Schmitt - Jacob & Aly, Elie, Zoe, Tanner, Anna, Dani & Aria
Joyce is also survived by her brother Ted (Shirley) Fosbinder, sister Carol (Bill) Boernke, sister-in-law Elva Jean (Byron) Richard, brother-in-law Eldon (Mary Ann) Poppe, and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.
Inurnment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery. At Joyce's request there will be a family service at the cemetery
Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
409 Warren Ave, Grant, NE 69140
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