Clare Schmidt

Clare Schmidt was carried into the arms of Jesus, her Savior, and to her heavenly home on November 11 at the age of 90.

Clare’s Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 16 at Abundant Life Christian Center in Grand Island. The service will also be streamed live on Facebook at @abundantlifegi. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. in Mount Hope Cemetery at West Point.

Visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. on Monday November 16 at Abundant Life Christian Center. Memorials are suggested to Abundant Life Christian Center (Mom’s hometown church of 50+ years) and Our Lady of Mercy (Clare’s christian residence where she was cared for so very well her last 2 years). Online condolences may be directed to www.apfelfuneralhome.com.

Clarlene Olga Schmidt, daughter of the late Samuel and Olga Kiser, was born on April 19, 1936 in Omaha, Nebraska. Clare was the oldest of three children (John and Diane). Clare met the love of her life, Steve, at a church singles group in Omaha and they were married on December 9, 1961. After 59 years of marriage, Steve preceded her in death on February 28, 2021.

Clare had an optimistic, spunky and positive zest for life and learning. While using her Bachelor’s Degree as a Registered Nurse over the course of her 60-year career, she spent a lifetime serving others. Her journey began as a public health visiting nurse in Omaha, Nebraska. A few years after their marriage, Steve and Clare moved to Grand Island, Nebraska where Clare worked as a St. Francis Home Health Care Manager for 20 years. Upon retiring she worked as an Adult Daycare Director for 10 more years. Clare also established a local foot care clinic that held monthly for over 20 years at senior centers throughout the region.

Clare was a lifelong learner. At the age of 59, she received her Master of Business Degree in Administration. She also obtained credentials from the General Council of the Assemblies of God in 2012 and was ordained as a Certified Minister at age 76.

Clare was known for her many volunteer efforts which included: Serving as a Certified Ombudsman Advocate at many local nursing homes, providing foot care at annual Project Connect events, coordinating numerous Red Cross blood drives, serving as a volunteer in the intensive care waiting room at St. Francis Hospital Medical Center, serving as a Parish Nurse, Deacon and Spiritual Elder at Abundant Life Christian Center, where she attended since 1972, being active in the Nebraska Nurse Association, and countless other acts of service.

Clare received numerous designations and honors in her volunteer service. In 2006, she was appointed by then Governor Dave Heineman to Nebraska’s Aging Advisory Committee where she served for 12 years. At age 81, Clare received the Extraordinary Achievement in Nursing Award from the Nebraska Nurses Association. Clare was also honored with Outstanding Service Awards from the Nebraska State Unit on Aging, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Midland Area on Aging, and many others.

Clare would want to be remembered most for her love for the Lord. Clare’s faith and sacrificial care for others was an inspiration. It was not uncommon to find her saying a prayer with a stranger who was having a hard day, giving to those in need, and looking for opportunities to show the Lord’s gracious kindness and care.

Clare’s pride and joy was her family and she loved spending time visiting her grown children and spoiling her grandchildren often. She dearly loved her daughter, Katherine, and Fred Ellermeier of Smithville, Mo.; her son, Sam, and Kristin Schmidt of Woodbine, Iowa; and her 6 grandchildren, Nathan, Nicholas, Emily, Katie, Clay and Josey; and 2 great-grandchildren Rhett and Wyatt.

Clare would want everyone to know how special and secure it is to journey through life with Jesus in care of your heart and would invite you to join in this eternal journey. One of her favorite verses is Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.