Myron Louis Smedra

Myron Louis Smedra

July 24, 1958 – April 20, 2022

ROSARY: Saturday, April 23, 2022, 12:00NOON, followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 1:30PM, all at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 8200 North 30th Street, Omaha, Nebraska. Memorials will be directed by the family.

Myron was born to Louis and Rita Smedra on July 24, 1958. He was raised in the St. Thomas More parish of Omaha, Nebraska along with his brother, Terry, and sisters, Rhonda and Charlene. As a child, he was very gentle, studious, and showed great artistic talent, winning contests for his skill. He then attended Ryan High School where he continued to grow and thrive. Even at such a young age, it was clear he had a deep sense of responsibility, work ethic, and a drive for perfection.

After he graduated from Ryan High School in 1976, Myron then went to work at Frost Car Care with his friend Dan Toland. He later moved to Werner Enterprises before taking a position with the Omaha Airport Authority where he worked for the next 32 years, until his retirement in 2018. Myron was a valued employee, a knowledgeable mechanic, and someone his coworkers looked up to.

Myron met the love of his life, Judy Smedra when they were teens. She still tells the story of the first moment when she saw him pulling up on his motorcycle. They were eventually married on May 8, 1981, in the same church they both grew up in. Myron and Judy enjoyed nearly 41 years together and were the proud parents of four children: Chris, Jenny, Danny, and Mike.

During their years together, they built their family home on the acreage he farmed, became active members of their church and community, and made a lasting impact on countless lives. They were both deeply involved with different organizations and events with St. Philip Neri Church and the school where all their children and grandchildren graduated from.

Myron was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus and always found ways to serve others, whether it was assisting with pancake breakfasts, spearheading the annual blood drives, or offering a hand to set up for events. He also took great pride in his study of martial arts, achieved a black belt in Tae Kwan Do, took up Tai Chi, and helped many students advance through the ranks at Open Circle Martial Arts.

Anyone who knew Myron will also tell you that he was a total gearhead. He was fascinated with anything that had an engine. His interest began from the time he spent working with his dad to rebuild vehicles, but he later turned his passion into a career. He was constantly reading about cars, studying schematics, tinkering with his projects, watching videos to learn new techniques, talking to fellow enthusiasts, or ensuring the safety of his loved ones’ vehicles. Although many people would enjoy these things once they were in working order, his greatest joy came in solving the puzzle and bringing them back to life.

Myron was a loving husband and father, a supportive friend, and a strong presence in the lives of everyone he touched. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Smedra; parents, Louis and Rita Smedra. He is survived by his wife, Judy; children: Christopher, Jennifer, and Michael; grandchildren, Maykayla and Maryah; brother, Terrence; sisters, Rhonda and Charlene; several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.