Ernest La Dean Smidt

Ernest L. Smidt of Cozad passed away April 2, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 83. Ernest was born April 20, 1934 in Cozad, Nebraska to Ernest H. and Opal I. (Chadwick) Smidt. He graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1951 and entered the US Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he worked on the dairy farm with his father. On March 21, 1954, Ernest married Shirley Gilliland in North Platte, Nebraska. They were blessed with 3 sons, Steven, Michael and Randy and one daughter, Shelly. In 1970, Ernest became an insurance agent. He retired from the insurance business in 1990 and resided in Cozad until his death.   Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Keith Smidt and Maynard Smidt; and sister, Farrell Reier.   Survivors include his wife Shirley Smidt of Cozad; sons, Steve and wife Judy of Kansas; Michael and wife Brenda of Lincoln; Randy and wife Bobbi of North Platte; daughter, Shelly Knobel and husband Tom of Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.   Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. A memorial service will be held Friday, April 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, east of Cozad, with Pastor Tim Eighmy officiating. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Thursday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.