Rex Laverne Schmidt, 61, was born on September 19, 1957, and passed on August 29, 2019.
He was born in Bridgeport to Robert Schmidt and Iris Younkin, the youngest of 5 boys. He often told stories of the rough and tumble ranch life he led with his equally rough and tumble and sometimes torturous older brothers. He was also proud of the fact that when he started school, he was probably one of the last of the era able to brag of riding his horse to a one room schoolhouse near Chimney Rock. When in grade school his family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado where he continued to hunt, rodeo, and excelled in football. While living in Fort Collins he would return on weekends to Bridgeport, visiting Harold and Shirley Rodgers, his aunt and uncle, and his close cousins, Ron and Beckie. Rex often remarked how grateful he was to have had Harold and Cecil Rogers influence at that time in his life. Oh, and the stories that He would tell of adventures of himself and Ron on those weekends. Rex and Ron were probably some of the last to trap beaver in a canoe on the Platte River.
When Rex was a junior in High School he returned to Bridgeport and was able to play Center Line Backer for couch Bill Juelfs, another fond time in his life.
In 1987 Rex attended Lamar College, in Colorado on a Rodeo scholarship.
Rex founded Aspen Leaf Painting in Colorado employing many people who either were or became lifelong friends.
Rex’s true passion was his outfitting business, Poudre Valley Outfitting. He along with his horses and hunting dogs, guided clients on Elk, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer hunts, Fishing trips, as well as Photography trips. His love for the outdoors and the wildlife habitat came clear in the beauty he captured in his photography. During the off season he kept his horses working at another business, The Stables at Silver creek. In 2000 he concentrated mostly on Aspen Leaf Painting in Fort Collins, riding his Harley, and traveling to and from Fort Collins and Bridgeport until returning to Bridgeport in 2009 to build a home where he owned and operated a Trucking business, hauling grain for harvest.
He is survived by his wife Claire Schmidt, stepchildren Jaime Rivas (Abe), Candace Christophersen, Christopher Christophersen, Coleen Christophersen, step grandchildren Ryley, Ava, Emerson, Sophia, and Maddox, His Brother in law Craig Coe, Sister in law Deborah Coe, Linda Landgraf, and Pam Johnson. Step nephews Stephen and Daniel Coe, His Aunt Shirley Rogers, his cousins Beckie Rodgers, (Mike Heimbouch) Ron Rodgers, Deb Smith (Jerry) And many lifelong friends.
His mother Iris Younkin, brothers Roger, Loren, and Glen Schmidt, several nieces, and nephews. Many aunts and uncles, cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Schmidt, stepmother Marge Schmidt, His Loving brother Richard Schmidt (Dick)and Harold and Cecil Rodgers.
His rugged and honest spirit will be truly missed.
Celebrating the life of Rex
Join us to share stories and remember a life lived to the fullest.
September 14th, 2019 Saturday at 11am
Redington Community Church 8094 Road 81, Bridgeport, Ne. 69336
