Clarence J. Schmidt

Clarence Joseph Schmidt, 89, of St. Paul, NE died peacefully on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Brookefield Park in St. Paul.  Per Clarence’s request, he was cremated.

On Saturday, July 3, 2021, visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., rosary will be at 10:00 a.m.,  memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul, NE. Father Tom Ryan & Father Vince Parsons will be presiding.  Interment will be at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul.  Jacobsen-Greenway-Dietz Funeral Home in St. Paul is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family to be designated at a later date.

Clarence was born on May 14, 1932 to Frank & Josephine (Jaegar) Schmidt in St. Paul, NE.  He was raised in St. Paul, attended St. Paul Public School and graduated in 1951.  He was united in marriage to Ernestine Bonczynski on October 14, 1952 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Farwell.  They were married 66 years.  Ernestine passed away on June 15, 2019.

Clarence worked for Wells Brothers in Cotesfield, Ordnance Plant in Grand Island, Burlington Northern Railroad and retired from the Nebraska Department of Roads in St. Paul after 32 years.  When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed doing odd jobs and was known as a “Jack of all Trades.”  Clarence loved hunting, fishing, playing cards, going to casinos, and crafting knives and canes.  Other hobbies included gardening, cutting wood, and volunteering at church.  His greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with family and friends. He was known for his special hugs and big smile.

He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters and sons-in-laws: Chris & Lonnie Vincik, and Deb & Keith Coleman, both of Grand Island. Grandchildren: Brian & Peggy Vincik, Overland Park, KS, Keith & Jana Vincik, Grand Island, Nathan & Amanda Coleman, Omaha, Alisha & Landon Ziemba, Shawnee, KS; Great-grandchildren: Bryce, Brayden, Kate, Emily, Kaylee, and Riley Vincik; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Bonczynski, St. Paul.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ernestine Schmidt.  Siblings: Mary, Emil, Agnes (Hanson), Helen (Gdanitz), Ernest, Anton, Edwin, & James.