Gregg Schmadeke

Gregg Schmadeke

August 22, 1953 – December 9, 2023

Gregg D. Schmadeke, age 70, passed away peacefully at his home on December 9th, 2023.

Gregg, also known to his favorite people as “Dad” and “Papa,” will be forever remembered for his work ethic, stewardship to the land and loyalty to his Family.  He was born on August 22, 1953, to Clarence and Eva Schmadeke. Gregg was raised in Weeping Water, NE and participated in high school basketball, legion baseball, and 4-H. He went on to graduate from The University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Gregg earned his Certified Public Accountant designation in 1977, passing all parts of the CPA exam on the first sitting. After five years as a public accountant with Haskins and Sells, Gregg purchased a Computerland franchise. He built a successful business with multiple stores over seven years, before selling his ownership in the business to focus on his family and hobbies.

Gregg married his high school sweetheart, Deb Cooper, in 1980, who he affectionately called “Coop.” Together they built a home with their three daughters, recently celebrating 43 years of marriage. Gregg’s accomplishments in business were impressive, but his true passions were his family and his hobbies. His hobbies ranged from making stained glass windows, building custom furniture, and baking a killer apple pie. Gregg had a love for sports playing intramural basketball for years as well as playing in his golf league. He enjoyed skiing at Mary Jane Mountain in Winter Park, CO, trips to Disney World with the kids, and planning adventures for he and Debbie to as faraway places as London, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia.

Gregg’s greatest love, outside of his family, were his trees. He was a Certified Arborist in the Nebraska Arborist Association and a Master Gardner Emeritus with the UNL Douglas/Sarpy County Extension office. As a dedicated volunteer at the extension office for years, Gregg would answer questions on plants and trees to callers and visitors. Over the past forty years, he estimated having planted over 300 trees between his acreage in Omaha and family land in Cass County. In 2021, Gregg’s longtime aspirations were fulfilled when his acreage, which he named Three Oaks Arboretum, was designated an affiliated site of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

Left to celebrate Gregg’s memory is his loving wife, Deb Schmadeke; children, Megan Thom (Christian), Keri McLouth (Cale), and Laura Gordon (John); eight grandchildren, Spencer and Olivia Thom, Ella, Noah, and Lillian McLouth, and Cooper, Brock and Tucker Gordon; sisters, Marilyn Rembolt (James), Linda Stander (Leo), and Joyce Furry Sievers (LeRoy); many other extended relatives and friends. Gregg was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Schmadeke, and mother, Eva Schmadeke.

VISITATION: Tuesday, December 12, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel.  FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, December 13th at 10:30 a.m., West Center Chapel. INTERMENT: Forest Lawn Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

To view a live Broadcast of the Funeral Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

 

12 Comments

  • Karen Fitzgibbons Posted December 10, 2023 6:51 pm

    Gregg was a man whose life reflected his values and passions. There was never a question as to his love for you and his daughters. Gregg will be missed by all who called him Dad, Husband and friend. I am always here for you and the family.

  • Melissa Namanny Posted December 11, 2023 11:01 am

    I am so sorry for your loss and the overwhelming feelings of grief you must endure. I did not know Gregg but I do know how much he was loved. My heart hurts for all of you. May you find peace in your memories and strength in each other. Sending love…

  • Steve Freeman Posted December 11, 2023 1:41 pm

    My prayers are with your family. Grew up with Gregg in Weeping Water, NE, he was one of the smartest men I ever knew. Loving husband and father and boy did he enjoy golfing. I am blessed to have had him as my friend all these years.

  • TIM MICHELSEN Posted December 12, 2023 8:53 am

    Gregg was a self-made man and will be truly missed.

  • Michael Reilly Posted December 12, 2023 10:14 am

    Laura and John; our condolences. Mike and Jackie

  • Terri & Steve Wegner Posted December 12, 2023 1:38 pm

    Peace be with Gregg’s family at this most difficult time. Thoughts & prayers to you all.

  • Terri & Steve Wegner Posted December 12, 2023 1:46 pm

    Our heartfelt sympathy to Gregg’s family . You will all be in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Don and Sharon Seaton Posted December 13, 2023 1:32 pm

    Gregg was our neighbor for many years. He will be missed.

  • Janice Domingo Petersen & Gary Posted December 13, 2023 2:55 pm

    Debbie, Megan, Keri, Laura and all of your families, Joyce Gochenour just let me know of this sad news. We send out prayers and fondest wishes for healing for you all. I know you will find peace in your memories of Gregg/Dad/Grandpa and in each other. Love you all. Contact me if you have a need.
    Janice and Gary

  • Martha Warner Posted December 14, 2023 10:05 am

    Rest in peace to a fine man and condolences to all of the family. As I look across to your home I see evidence of his loving care and passion for the garden he planted. We will miss him

  • Gerry and Bk Nell Posted December 15, 2023 10:44 pm

    Dearest Deb and family, We can just picture Gregg right now. We always loved seeing him across the street weeding, pruning, trimming and cutting his beloved front yard. Such dedication and such a hard worker, And yet he seemed so perfectly content and happy doing all this. We are sending our love to you all and hope in time that this difficult and painful passage will turn to many sweet and happy memories of a wonderful, dedicated family man that you were all so lucky to love.❤️ .

  • Gerry and Bk Nell Posted December 15, 2023 10:46 pm

    Dearest Deb and family, We can just picture Gregg right now. We always loved seeing him right across the street weeding, pruning, trimming and cutting his beloved front yard. Such dedication and such a hard worker, And yet he seemed so perfectly content and happy doing all this. We are sending our love to you all and hope in time that this difficult and painful passage will turn to many sweet and happy memories of a wonderful, dedicated family man that you were all so lucky to love.❤️ .

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