Judith "Judy" Dee Schmeling
January 9, 2012

Judith "Judy" Dee Schmeling

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Judy was born on January 26, 1940 in Hays, Kansas to Laurence and Esther 'Ring' Harbaugh and was raised in Natoma and Russell, Kansas. Judy graduated from Natoma High School before moving to Grand Island, Nebraska. Judy was working in Grand Island, where she met and married Dean Schmeling in 1964. After briefly living in Mississippi and Oklahoma, they moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska in 1968. Judy worked at Grant's department store, Aksarben Race Track, and at Elkhorn Public School. She devoted much of her time at Thomas Fitzgerald Veterans Home doing laundry and socializing with the veterans where she loved to play bingo and led many other activities, but her greatest joy was being a homemaker while her husband was a Field Engineer for Burroughs and Unisys. Judy and Dean retired to Fremont in 2006. Judy was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn and served as Hope Circle President, Sunday school teacher and the church woman treasurer. Retirement brought them to Peace Lutheran Church in Fremont, where they became active members. Judy enjoyed involvement in many community organizations including being a Girl Scout leader for many years, American Legion Auxiliary, a member since 1976, where she held several local and county positions, Family & Community Education Club (Extension Club) and was a member of the Eight/Forty club.

Her interests included, gardening, reading, bird watching, craft, baking, canning and cheering for her favorite sports team, one of which was the Cornhuskers. But above all, her time was most enjoyed when spent with family; she devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver.

To remember and cherish her memory are her husband of 47 years, Dean W. Schmeling. Five children: Lorraine Kay Sacco (Plattsmouth, NE), Tyrae Ann Brown and husband Ray Brown (Kenosha, WI), Wendy McGrath and husband Howard McGrath (Lusby, MD), Mike Thille (Sioux City, IA), & DeAnn Johnson (Fremont, NE). Twelve grandchildren: Laurence Thille, Jamie Lynn Giersdorf, Shane Sacco, Andrew Sacco, Holli O'Keefe, Heather Price, Nathan Brown, David Viger, Dean Viger, Cory McGrath, Michelle Thille, Luke Socha & Austin Johnson. And ten great grandchildren: Eshiah O'Neil, Brandon Asa, Alexis Sacco, Lincoln O'Keefe, Shea O'Keefe, Timothy O'Keefe, Hannah Price, Asa Brown, Kayla Viger, David Viger III. Also surviving is Sister Laureen Kay Burdine (Rogers, AR). She was preceded in death by her parents, Laurence & Esther Harbaugh.

The funeral will be Friday January 13 at 11:00am at Peace Lutheran Church (1/2 mile east of Hwy 275 & Hwy 30 interchange and ¼ south of Hwy 30.) The Rev. Gib Botten will officiate. The committal will be at 2pm on Friday at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Elkhorn. Visitation will be Thursday from 4pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. Visitation will continue 1 hour before the service at the church.

Donations may be sent to Methodist Hospital Hospice 8601 W. Dodge Road, Suite 138 Omaha, NE 68114 or Peace Lutheran Church Women's Faith Circle 2102 North County Road 26 Fremont, NE 68025.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

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Visitation
Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont
With Family from 6pm to 8pm
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
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Service
Peace Lutheran Church
2102 County Road 26
Fremont, NE  68025
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Interment
Prospect Hill Cemetery -- Elkhorn, NE.

Condolences(18)

  1. Debbie Kinney
    Loved ones, It is with great sorrow that I am reminded of just how special Judy was to me. During a very difficult time in my life, she welcomed me into her home and gave me and my children another place to belong. Oh how I miss lingering over the kitchen table with her. She always had some freshly baked sweet-treat and, of course...coffee! She was one of the most loving souls I have ever known, with a seeming limitless ability to guide and encourage. I can see her putzing about the yard, plucking a defiant weed from the garden, or correcting an errant grandchild (or two). Then she would spout off something witty, flash that mischievous smile, and be off to tackle the next task at hand. What wonderful times we had together! The world is a much better place for her having been in it! Love and blessings to you all, Debbie
  2. Janice Day
    Wendy and Howie, I am so sorry for your loss this week of Wendy's Mom. Janice
  3. Alvin
    May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you and your family,Dean. We will miss hern too.
  4. Marty Krafka
    Dean, I am so sorry for your loss. Your bride was way too young but somehow we have to trust God on these matters. I know it is hard right now, but know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Regards, Marty
  5. Tawnya Wortman (Pinnacle)
    Dean, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
  6. Terri Ellis
    Sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one, a mother, a friend. My thoughts are with you.
  7. Ron & Marsha Harbaugh
    What a lady!!. We are certainly going to miss you and all of those phone calls we have had over the years. I always felt we had known one another forever. To the family we will keep in touch. Love, Ron and Marsha Harbaugh
  8. Craig & Judy Schmeling
    We will truly miss our Dear Judy...she was such a blessing in our lives. We all enjoyed so many good times over 45+ years together. She was so full of life and fun and enjoyed a good laugh over something silly. She was a lady, in every aspect of the word and held our admiration for the fine job she did as a wife/mother/grandmother and for all the care she gave to those she loved. Our thoughts/prayers go out to all of you there. Love and blessings are sent your way.. Craig and Judy
  9. Jess Runte
    Tyrae, my thoughts and prayers for peace are with you and your family.
  10. KAREN GRAVES
    MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU ALL. I HAVE SO MANY MEMOERIES OF GROWING UP IN ELKHORN. AND JUDY WAS INVOLVED WITH GIRL SCOUTS. I REMEMBER SO MANY CAMPING TRIPS WITH ALL OF THE GIRLS AND HOW MUCH FUN WE WOULD HAVE AND JUDY WAS A BIG PART OF ALL THAT. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL LADY AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS KAREN GRAVES SACHS
  11. Jerry & Sharon Hytrek
    Judy was one of our best friends when we lived in Elkhorn. She and Dean showed us some good times and Judy and I spent a lot of time together working on projects, as the kids were all growing up. She will be missed by everyone, as well as the community.
  12. Joan (Rohwer) Roehrs
    I have fond memories of time spent at your house so many years ago. A second family...... Judy was a special lady, and my heart truly aches for your loss. Through God and with time may you find comfort.
  13. Cindy (Rolfs) Kasten
    I'm so sorry for the loss of your dear one. Judy was one of the most loving people who I've ever known. If I could only use her as a model for love and thoughtfulness, I'd be good. I'm just so sad. But Judy knew what was waiting for her on the other side. She is in glory waiting for us...making heaven all the more excellent. Much love to you guys from the Rolfs Clan.
  14. Roxanne Torgerson
    I just want you all to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you all. I am so sorry for your loss.
  15. Susan Fennell
    Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
  16. Kathryn Soper
    I am sorry for your loss and am praying for you and your family.
  17. Marianne Judson
    My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. God grant rest and peace to your mother, and may her memory be eternal.
  18. Dave Viger
    Dean, Wendy and all of your family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Judy...I know she is in a better place free of pain and suffering. God Bless Dave
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