R. R. “SMITTY” MESSERSCHMIDT was born June 7, 1920, in Hubbard, Nebraska, to Reinard and Freida (Kamm) Messerschmidt. He passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, at the age of 90 years.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corp. during World War II.

On January 1, 1945, Smitty and Lois were united in marriage at Calistoga, California. Following his discharge from the military, they moved to Eastern Nebraska and farmed for a short time. They moved to Joplin, Missouri, where they farmed for 26 years. They returned to Eastern Nebraska for 26 years before moving to Branson, Missouri, for 6 ½ years. They returned to Nebraska making their home in Oakland.

Smitty loved to travel and loved to eat in different restaurants. He also loved to entertain anyone who would come and visit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Adolph and Earl and sister, Amelia Keuck.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lois, of Oakland; three brothers, Elmer of Phoenix, Arizona, Ervin and Raymond of Hubbard, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, July 24, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland.

BURIAL: Rose Hill Cemetery, Emerson, Nebraska

VISITATION: Friday, July 23, 2010, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland. Visitation Saturday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: Oakland Mercy Hospital or First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com