Michael Ja Schmidt

Michael Ja Schmidt, 21, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2016 as a result of an automobile accident. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Beverly Rautenberg-Panko will be officiating. The visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. Michael was born October 5, 1994 in Norfolk, NE to Joseph Schmidt and Kristy (Deitloff). He graduated from Pender School in 2013. In high school, he was very active in sports; he participated in football, basketball, and golf. Michael was currently working as a CNA at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender and was attending Wayne State College where he was studying to be a math teacher and coach. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing the guitar and he loved staying up late playing video games with his friends. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Kristy Schmidt of Pender, NE; and sister, Cynthia Rose (Eric) Vinton of Chadron, NE; and grandparents, Junior and Alvina Deitloff of Norfolk, NE. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Schmidt and Susan Schmidt.