Obituary of Marlene Schmidt

Schmidt Marlene

Marlene Schmidt, age 77, of Fordyce, NE, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2024 at the Arbor Care Center in Hartington, NE. Visitation will be Sunday, April 28, 2024 from 3:00-5:00 pm with a 5:00 pm wake service all at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fordyce, NE. Memorial Mass will be 10:30 am, Monday, April 29, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Keiter officiating. Burial of Marlene’s cremated remains will follow at St. John Cemetery in Fordyce. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com.

Honorary Pallbearers are her grandchildren: Kip Dowling, Austin Dowling, Wyatt Dowling, Valarie Dowling, Eric Derickson (Sami), Michaela Derickson, Delayne Sudbeck, Dayton Sudbeck, Dolcie Sudbeck, Ryley (Logan) Simmons, Sydnee Eickhoff, and Ella Eickhoff. 

Marlene was born on January 24, 1947, in Fordyce Nebraska to Alphonse and Albina Schrempp.  She grew up on a farm near Fordyce and attended school in Fordyce.  Marlene married Marvin (Butch) Schmidt on August 2^nd, 1969.  After marriage they lived in Fordyce to raise their family.  She was a member of St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church and ladies’ guild.  She was also a member of the Crofton Legion and Yankton VFW Auxiliary.  Marlene worked at M Tron in Yankton for many years then was a janitor for the Sacred Heart School in Yankton then finished her career at Baldwin Filters in Yankton.  Marlene loved to play cards, bingo, and have a good time.  She was also on a bowling league in her younger years.  Butch and Marlene spent many years at their cabin along the river near Newcastle fishing and having fish fries with friends.  She also enjoyed riding around the town on the golf cart with her husband and pugs.  She adored her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren they brought many smiles to her face. 

Marlene is survived by her husband Butch of 54 years and her children: Amy Schmidt of Fordyce, Tina Derickson (Matt Sudbeck) of Hartington and Crystal (Brandon) Eickhoff of Hartington and her 12 grandchildren: Kip Dowling, Austin Dowling, Wyatt Dowling, Valarie Dowling, Eric Derickson(Sami), Michaela Derickson, Delayne Sudbeck, Dayton Sudbeck, Dolcie Sudbeck, Ryley (Logan) Simmons, Sydnee Eickhoff, and Ella Eickhoff and 6 great grandchildren: Loretta, Marshall, Weston, Remi Derickson, Koastin Simmons, Lillian Dowling.  Three brothers Lonnie (Linda) Schrempp, Jeff (Tammy) Schrempp, Tim Schrempp all of Yankton, brother in law’s Darrold (Jean) Schmidt, South Sioux City NE and Arlynn (Dorothy) Schmidt of Elk Point SD then sister-in-law Marilyn Hejna of Utica SD. 

Marlene is proceeded in death by her parents, sister Betty & Buddy Pietz, brother Leon Schrempp, sister-in-law Lori Schrempp, brother in laws Rod Schmidt and Loyd Hejna.  Along with other family members including aunt and uncles on both sides of the family.