Duane Schmitt

Duane Schmitt, age 77, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026, at CHI Lakeside Hospital in Omaha.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at St. Isidore Catholic Church. There will be a vigil service on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. followed by visitation from 6:00-7:30 p.m. all at the church. Burial is in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of plants and flowers, the family invites memorial donations to the St. Isidore's Church Flower Fund, a fitting tribute to Duane's many years of dedication to planting, nurturing and beautifying the church gardens throughout the seasons.

Raised on a farm in Fort Atkinson, IA, Duane learned early the values of hard work, faith, and helping others. While attending Iowa State University, he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were married for 55 wonderful years, and she remained his everything throughout their life together.

Duane spent more than 35 years with Becton Dickinson as a bacteriologist and in quality control. His career took the family to the East Coast for six years before bringing them back to Columbus, the community he proudly called home for the rest of his life. His curiosity, intelligence, and dedication to innovation led to the granting of a patent for a medical syringe assembly.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, whether taking a leisurely country drive, tending his gardens at home and at church, fishing with his grandchildren, splitting firewood, or spending Friday nights with friends over dinner and a card game. He found joy in sharing life with those he loved. His faith was not simply something he practiced—it was the foundation upon which he built his life.

Duane was deeply involved in his church and community. He volunteered countless hours through St. Isidore's, church bazaars, Renew, serving as an EMHC, and helping with Mass at the manor. He also served as President of Crime Stoppers.Through the Knights of Columbus, he organized blood drives for many years and was honored with the prestigious Knights of Columbus Family of the Year Award, a recognition that reflected his deep commitment to faith, family, and service.

Duane was known for creating joy and wonder each Christmas season. He transformed his home into a magical holiday display, decorating six Christmas trees, setting up multiple nativity scenes, and building an elaborate Snow Village that eventually took over the entire basement! His love of Christmas was legendary, and his cherished Christmas tree featuring Old World ornaments was even featured at a local library event. The holiday season brought out his childlike wonder and his desire to create lasting memories for his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

He loved bringing people together. Whether gathering with friends at Lake Stop, enjoying family get-togethers, or simply striking up a conversation with someone new, he believed relationships were one of God's greatest gifts. He made people feel welcomed, valued, and connected. He never missed an opportunity to tell a joke—often one that was just inappropriate enough to make everyone groan before he burst into laughter. His day was not complete without a chocolate sweet and Diet Mountain Dew.

Above all, Duane's life was centered on God, family, helping others, and building meaningful relationships. His legacy of service and genuine care for others touched countless lives. His faith, kindness, generosity, and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

We find comfort in knowing that he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and now rests in eternal peace with Christ.

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Beatrice (Timp) Schmitt

He is survived by his wife Nancy (Kucera) Schmitt; children: Tim (Patti) Schmitt, Michelle (Michael) Paladino, Charlene (Matt) Bragg; brothers and sister: Neal (Kara) Schmitt, Mark (Diane) Schmitt and Jan (Chuck) Cummins; grandchildren: Ash Schmitt, Logan Schmitt, Triston Paladino, Ashton Paladino, Noah Bragg; and many nieces, nephews and dear friends