Thelma Schmitz

Mass of Christian Burial for Thelma Rose Schmitz, age 92, of Naper, NE, was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 27, 2025, at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Butte, NE, with Father Bernard Starman officiating.

Matthew Schmitz was lector for the Mass, and Deacon Kersenbrock was the Eucharistic Minister. Tina Dethlefs and Ella Schmitz presented the gifts at the offertory, and Kaci Koenig and Baleigh Koenig were the altar servers.

Music was provided by Pat Thiry. Nancy Schmitz and Sandra Meyer were in charge of registrations. Pallbearers were Emily Wlaschin, Matthew Schmitz, Joseph Schmitz, Tony Schmitz, Travis Schmitz, and Tina Dethlefs.

Interment took place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Naper, NE. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Rose Schmitz was born on December 1, 1933, to James and Zoe (Brown) Higgins in Brocksburg, NE. She grew up on a ranch in Keya Paha County and graduated from high school in Springview, NE, in 1951. After graduation, she taught in a country schoolhouse for one year. On February 22, 1955, she married Leonard Schmitz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Naper. They had two children: Douglas, born December 26, 1955, and David, born June 24, 1958.

Leonard and Thelma purchased an abandoned farmstead east of Naper. Working side by side, they made it into a successful family farm.

Thelma was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish in Naper. Thelma Schmitz died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in O’Neill, NE, at the age of 92.

She is survived by her sons Douglas (René) of O’Neill, NE, and David (Carmen) of Naper, NE; six grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Leonard; sisters Lila and Opal Carley; and brother Orlon.