Phyllis Florence Schmidt

Phyllis Florence Schmidt 100, of Grand Island died on September 27,2023. She was living with Ray and Jennifer O’Connor in their Grand Island home. She is survived by 3 daughters Kathryn Oppelt from St. Louis, Missouri, Barbara Riedl from Sherman, Texas, and Jennifer O’Connor from Grand Island, Nebraska, and their children and grandchildren. Visitation will be at All-Faiths Funeral Home on Monday, October 2,2023 at 10:00am followed by the funeral at 11:00 am. Livestreaming of the service will be available at www.giallfaiths.com Burial will be at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. The pall bearers will be Phyllis’ grandchildren Jodi Haskins, Todd Almquist, David Riedl, Michael Riedl, Sean O’Connor, Kelli Holl and Ryan O’Connor. Phyllis Florence Schmidt was born on 12/11/1922 in Mitchell, South Dakota, the daughter of Charles Calvin Crawford and Florence Elizabeth (Burtis) Crawford. She had two younger siblings, William Crawford from Seattle, Washington and Joyce Urbom from Lincoln, Nebraska. Phyllis attended Grand Island Senior High School and participated in many drama presentations. She also completed a “Mile Swim” at Pier Park. She graduated in 1940. Phyllis worked at the phone company as an operator after graduation. Phyllis and Kenneth Schmidt met at a Methodist Youth Fellowship meeting at Trinity Methodist Church and were united in marriage on December 5, 1942 in Gollaher Chapel at Trinity Methodist Church in Grand Island. This union was blessed with three daughters, Kathryn, Barbara and Jennifer and an infant son, Roger whom died at birth. Other blessings include 8 grand-children and 18 great-grandchildren. Phyllis was a faithful member of Trinity Methodist church. She was involved in the Women’s Society of Christian Service, Sunday School and served on many church committees. She was a member of the “71 Club” and served as the narrator for the annual Easter pageant. She was also a member of Altrusa and O.E.S. chapter #41. While the girls were in school Phyllis faithfully attended all their activities which included sewing contests, drama presentations, athletic events, band concerts and Girl Scout Camp. She was the leader for the girls’ Girl Scout troop. She also earned a Water Safety Instructor Certification that enabled her to award Red Cross swimming certificates. Phyllis was a contestant in the Mrs. America competition. A memorable family event was an extended family trip to the west coast to visit family there. There was a 3-car, 13- person caravan making the trip. The” Rally Song” was Snap, Clap, here we are again, a happy family. Another significant event was hosting a foreign exchange student from France for a year. After her daughters graduated from high school, Phyllis moved into the business world managing Daylight Donuts, being Activities Director at Lakeview Nursing Home and then becoming the owner and manager of Lincoln Street Manor, an assisted living facility. Retirement brought the opportunity for more RV travel, sailing at Mormon Island and visiting the grandkids. Phyllis lived for 7 years at Bickford Cottage Assisted Living Facility where she was the organizer of the after- dinner games Triominoes and Kings on the Corner. She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Florence Crawford, husband Kenneth Schmidt, infant son Roger Schmidt, siblings William Crawford and Joyce Urbom, grandson Greg Almquist, great-granddaughter Gabriel Jordan Haskins, and son-in-law Ric Oppelt. Ray and Jennifer want to express special thanks to Dr. Gary Settje and the Tabitha Team for their loving care of Phyllis. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the family to be designated at a later date.

Phyllis Florence Schmidt

December 11, 1922 - September 27, 2023

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Phyllis Florence Schmidt

December 11, 1922 - September 27, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support