Norbert C. Smith

Norbert Clarence Smith, age 85, of Kearney, Nebraska, entered into his eternal home in Heaven on Saturday, November 8, 2025, surrounded by his wife and two daughters. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Kearney with Pastors James DeLoach and Doug Gaunt officiating. Inurnment will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Omaha National Cemetery with military honors graveside. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Broadcast or School. Please visit www.hlmkfuneral.com to leave a tribute or message of condolence. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Service in Kearney is in charge of arrangements. Norbert was born on August 14, 1940, in Columbus, Nebraska, to Joseph and Dorothea (Johannes) Smith on his father’s 60th birthday. Norbert was baptized on October 6, 1940, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus by Rev. A.H. Guettler. His baptismal sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Flamme. He was confirmed in his faith on April 11, 1954, also at Immanuel Lutheran Church by Rev. Guettler. His confirmation verse was Matthew 10:32: “Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven.” Norbert graduated from Columbus High School in 1958. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Navy on June 3, 1958, proudly serving his country until his honorable discharge on August 11, 1961. During his service, Norbert was stationed in Florida and served aboard the aircraft carriers USS Essex and USS Shangri-La as a member of aircraft squadron VF-13. Following his military service, Norbert pursued his passion for electronics, earning a degree as an Electronic Technician from Milford Technical School in Milford, Nebraska. Over the years, he worked for Plectron in Overton, Superior Controls in Kearney, and CD&F Electronics in Elm Creek. His strong work ethic and attention to detail earned him the respect of his colleagues and friends. He enjoyed participating in the CB club where his call handle was “Anchor Clanker”. On August 2, 1964, Norbert was united in marriage to Margaret Elise Blessen at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Columbus, with Rev. A.H. Guettler officiating. Together they shared sixty-one blessed years of marriage, raising a loving family and building a life rooted in faith and service. Norbert was a faithful and active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as a radio engineer, and was a supporter of the Lutheran Laymen’s League. After his retirement, he found great joy volunteering at The Archway and the Classic Car Collection, where he enjoyed meeting the visitors. He was also a proud member of the Central Nebraska Auto Club and delighted in driving his Corvette during Cruise Nights. Norbert was a member of the American Legion and the VFW. Above all, Norbert treasured his family and could always be found cheering on his grandchildren in all of their activities. Norbert is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Smith; his daughters Michelle (Paul) Nerz of McAllen, Texas, and Stephanie (Cory) Barker of Bayard, Nebraska; and his grandchildren Robert Weatherly of Omaha, Blake (Allie) Weatherly of Omaha, Nicole (Tate) Coss of Palisade, Elisabeth (Jayden) Merriman of Omaha, and Nathaniel Barker of Scottsbluff, NE. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Isaiah Weatherly, Brighton Coss, Adelynn Weatherly, and baby girl Coss. He is also survived by brothers-in-law David (Arlene) Blessen and Mark (Peggy) Blessen, and sister-in-law Charlotte (Earl) Smith, as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothea Smith; sisters Mabel Hopkins, Dorothy Cattau; and brothers Ford Smith and Kenneth Smith. Norbert will be remembered for his steadfast faith, quiet strength, kind heart, gentle humor, and devotion to his family.

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Norbert C. Smith

August 14, 1940 - November 8, 2025