Barbara Emma (Vrbka) Schmit passed away December 1, in North Platte, NE. She was born October 5, 1922, in Ulysses, NE to Lou and Emma Vrbka. She married Leonard on December 5, 1944, in Nenzel, NE.
Barbara took piano and organ lessons and played in her first recital at age 4. When she turned eight she started playing for weddings and Sunday mass and continued for many years after. Later she shared her talent and knowledge giving music lessons to numerous students of all ages. First in Waco and Beaver Crossing, Nebraska and after moving she taught in Cody, Merriman and Martin SD. She offered lessons on the piano, organ, accordion, and guitar and was willing to learn and teach any musical instrument there was interest in.
In her spare time, she loved to embroider and read. Barbara and Leonard loved to travel to Leonard’s shipmates’ reunions all over the United States, and especially visiting family.
She is preceded in death by parents Lou and Emma Vrbka; husband Leonard Schmit; brothers Robert and Maynard Vrbka.
She is survived by children, Patricia (Gary), Priscilla (Russell), Pamela (Robin), David (Carol), and, Paula (Taylor); 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Barbara was held on Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. MST at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nenzel. The burial followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. A rosary was recited on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m., MST at the church.
Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was entrusted with the service arrangements.
