Laura M. Schmitz, age 85, of O'Neill, passed away early Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, at Careage of Wayne in Wayne.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, from 4-8 p.m., with a 4:30 p.m. Catholic Daughters rosary and a 7 p.m. parish rosary, at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday (today), Jan. 24, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in O'Neill with Rev. Luke Steffes officiating. Music will be provided by pianist, Toni Schneider            

and St. Patrick's funeral choir.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Jons, Larry Jons, Robert Jons, David Anderson, Dennis Lampson and Roger Lampman.

Burial will be in the O'Neill Calvary Cemetery in O'Neill.

Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Laura was born April 3, 1927, in Neligh, the eldest daughter of Henry and Mildred (James) Lampman. The family moved to Spencer in 1932 and in 1933 they moved to the Lampman farm east of Anoka.

In 1934 she lost her mother and infant sister leaving her father to take care of five young children. He was able to keep the family together during the hard times of the 30s.

Laura attended District 8 and Anoka District 40 schools before graduating from grade school in 1940 at St. Peter and Paul School in Butte. She graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Milwaukee, WI. In 1950 she returned to Nebraska and helped her cousin and his family for three years.

She married Bernard Schmitz on May 12, 1953, in Spencer. They moved to O'Neill on Nov. 4, 1953. Laura worked for JC Penny's for over eighteen years, retiring in May of 1992. They were very faithful and enjoyed visiting many churches and music jams. Bernard preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2003, after 50 years of marriage. They always felt very blessed to be able to spend time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was a devoted member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and a life member of the Catholic Daughters of America. She enjoyed camping, putting puzzles together, doing crosswords and traveling to Mission, Texas for the winter.

Laura is survived by two sons, Tom and wife, Cindy of Wayne and Ron of Sioux Falls, SD; two grandchildren, Christina and her husband, Jess Schlautman of Fremont and Corey Schmitz and wife, Erin of Chandler, AZ; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Thomassen of O'Neill and Dorothy Jons of Minden; one brother, Raymond Lampman and his wife, Marilyn of Axtell.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, James Michael and a brother, Paul Lampman.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation.