Joan Mildred Schmidt

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Joan Mildred (Sorgenfrei) Schmidt, 83, of Grand Island passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant. Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM Thursday, August 27th at Christ Lutheran Church, 1300 N. Grand Island Avenue. Reverends Jacob Heyn and James Janke will officiate. Burial will be in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Wednesday at Christ Lutheran Church. Memorials are suggested to either the Church for foreign Missions or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. Joan was born on June 20, 1943, to Oscar A. and Mildred T. (Petzoldt) Sorgenfrei. She became a child of God in Holy Baptism on July 11, 1943, and later confirmed her faith and baptismal vows on April 14, 1957, both at Trinity Lutheran in Grand Island. Joan graduated from Grand Island Senior High in 1961. On May 22, 1965, Joan married Elroy E. Schmidt. They had two children, Larry and Bobbi. Joan was employed as a secretary at St. Paul’s Lutheran until she had children. She was secretary at Hastings Grain Inspection from 1972-2000, when she chose to stay at home and take care of grandchildren. Joan was known for her big heart and desire to serve others. Whether it was baking homemade bread, making Christmas cookies, taking meals to the field, playing with grandchildren, talking with friends and family, she always knew what was needed to make each person feel special and loved. Joan was an exceptional typist. She enjoyed many hobbies that allowed her to use the creative gifts the Lord blessed her with. She enjoyed painting, ceramics, making banners for church, sewing, and her biggest love became quilting; which she shared with her granddaughter, Kate. Joan is survived by her loving husband, Elroy of 61 years. Her children Larry (Sandi) Schmidt, and Bobbi (Kevin) Byerly. Grandchildren Jacob (Emily) Byerly, Garrett Byerly, Blake (Emily) Byerly, Kate Byerly, Weston (Becca) Goldsmith, Cooper Schmidt, and five great grandchildren Deryl and JoAnn Sorgenfrei, Harriet Sorgenfrei, Norma and Max Diggs, Richard and Marlene Schmidt, Doris Kaczor, Darrell and JeanAnne Schmidt, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; Oscar Sr. and Mildred; brothers: Oscar Jr., Robert and wife Kay, Larry and wife Margaret, stillborn infant brother; Brothers-in-law Terry Kaczor and Lester Schmidt, and one grandchild. So, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven. (Confirmation verse Matthew 10:32)

Joan Mildred Schmidt

June 20, 1943 - August 22, 2026

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Joan Mildred Schmidt

June 20, 1943 - August 22, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support