Gary P. Smedra

       Gary Smedra, 81 of Loup City, NE died Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Rose Lane Home in Loup City. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City. Father Richard Piontkowski will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow Mass at Evergreen Cemetery in Loup City. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 24, at St. Josaphat’s with a 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary at St. Josaphat’s. Memorials are suggested to the Smedra family or donor’s choice. The Rosary and Mass will be livestreamed on the Higgins Funeral Home Facebook page and the direct link is http://facebook.com/Higgins-Funeral-Home-111005270563508.

     Gary P. Smedra was born December 17, 1939 in Loup City, the son of Ignac and Thresa Smedra who were living on a farm near Arcadia.  At the age of 3, Gary and his parents moved to the farm 8 miles south of Loup City where he lived the rest of his life.

     He attended the Wiggle Creek District 1 School through 8th grade, and graduated from Loup City High School in 1957.

     After graduation Gary worked construction and still helped on the farm. After the tragic death of his father in 1959, he came back to the family farm and farmed there for the remainder of his life.

     On February 23, 1963, he and Dorothy (Dotty) Tyma from Ashton were married.  Gary was very proud of the four sons born to this union.

     During the 1970's and 1980's, Gary was the Stack Moving Man - hauling alfalfa stacks for farmers and ranchers throughout the area.

     Later, Gary and Dotty were blessed with 4 wonderful daughters-in-law, 5 grandchildren, and 58 years of marriage.

     He is survived by his wife, Dotty of Loup City, NE; sons and spouses Paul and Debra of Hickman, NE; Jim and Thao of Dallas, TX; Steven and Kathy of Lincoln, NE; Daniel and Heather of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Jason, Travis, Madi, Jacob, and Derek and brother and spouse, David & Linda Smedra of Miller, NE.

     He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and infant sister.  

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