Tom L. Smith

Tom L. Smith, 76, of St. Edward, NE passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island, NE.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at St. Edward Catholic Church in St. Edward, NE with Rev. Matt Gutowski, Rev. Mick Goc, and Deacon Harlan Long officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Crete, NE. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home, St. Edward, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Tom Lee Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on October 16, 1949, in Genoa, Nebraska, to Leland Fay and Delora Fern (Stephens) Smith. He attended Bogus Country School and later graduated with the St. Edward High School Class of 1967. Following high school, Tom attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he graduated with the Class of 1971, earning his ag engineering degree. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Carol Stehlik.

On August 28, 1971, Tom and Carol were united in marriage at St. James Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Their marriage of 54 years was a beautiful partnership filled with love, faith, and devotion. Together, they raised two children, Bryan and Jennifer, on their family farm northwest of St. Edward.

Tom was a true farmer at heart. He loved the land and took great pride in working it. Along with farming, he was employed at the COOP, served as CMS Manager for Farmland, and worked at FlexCon throughout his career. Known for his strong work ethic, generosity, and readiness to lend a helping hand.

He cherished his family deeply and found great joy in time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether he was sharing stories, attending their events, or offering quiet guidance, Tom's steady presence and warm heart left a lasting mark on all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 54 years: Carol Smith of St. Edward, NE; two children: Bryan (Cindy) Smith of Minden, NE; Jennifer (Taylor) Liess of McCook, NE; nine grandchildren: Danielle (Ryan) Lawrence of Lincoln, NE; Aiden Smith of St. Edward, NE; Evan, Brynn, and Cael Smith all of Minden, NE; Weston Walgren of Kearney, NE; Jaylea Walgren of McCook, NE; and Kellen and Kohen Liess of McCook, NE; four great-grandchildren; three siblings: Jacqueline (Robert) Grams of Imperial, NE; Carolyn Thompson of Albion, NE; and Bill (Janice) Smith of St. Edward, NE; brother-in-law Roger (Jo) Stehlik of Crete, NE; aunt Kathy Stephens of St. Edward, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law: Larry Thompson; and parents-in-law: Emil and Alice Stehlik.