Schmer, Willard E., June 17, 1930- March 31, 2014 Scottsbluff Star Herald Scottsbluff, Nebraska 31 Mar 2014 Willard Eugene Schmer, 83, passed away at his home on Monday, March 31, 2014. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday April 5, at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Scottsbluff, with Pastor John Adams and Pastor Troy Allen officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Emmanuel Congregational Church or Home Instead Senior Care. Arrangements are under the direction of Jolliffe Funeral Home and online condolences to the family can be sent to www.jolliffefuneralhome.com. Willard was born in Minatare, on June 17, 1930 to Elmer and Marie (Fox) Schmer. He was one of three children. Willard attended Trail School and Mitchell High School. He helped on their farm on the Bay State Ranch before he enlisted in the U.S. Marines in July 1952. Willard received the Good Conduct Medal, The Korean Service Medal, The United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, and received the Purple Heart in April 1953. He was discharged in July of 1955. Willard married Betty Jean Kraft on May 16, 1954 and to this union two children were born. He farmed until he started working for Frank Implement in 1973; he then worked for Panhandle Coop in 1978 until he retired in 1993. Willard was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Congregational Church where he served as a Deacon and Trustee, and he also was a lifelong member of the Scottsbluff Elks and VFW. Willard enjoyed hunting and fishing with his son, Rod, and enjoyed fixing and building things around the house. He loved watching football and baseball and old Westerns. Willard was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved them very much. In his last days, he also enjoyed the company of the Home Instead ladies. Survivors include his son, Rodney and wife Debra (Skiles) Schmer of Scottsbluff; daughter, Cathy (Schmer) Simpson of Paonia, Colo.; grandchildren, Jacquolyn (Schmer) and Mark Dutkiewicz of Des Plaines, Ill.; Jennifer Schmer of Scottsbluff, Patrick and Brittany Simpson of Littleton, Colo.; Michael and Matthew Simpson of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and special “adopted” grandson Michael Skiles of Scottsbluff; brother, Harvey and wife Miriam Schmer of Torrington, Wyo.; sister, LaVonne and husband Lou Varn of Johnstown, Colo.; sisters-in-law, Molly Abel, Elsie Williams, and Violet Kraft, all of Gering; Dorothy Kraft of Mitchell, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Betty; father, Elmer and mother, Marie; father and mother-in-law, David and Eva (Homan) Kraft; sisters-in-law, Lydia and husband, Hank Schwartzkopf, Kate and husband Bill Popp; Ruth and husband, William Meyer, Mary Kraft, Pauline and husband, Harold Wamsley; and brothers-in-law, David Kraft, Fred and wife Freda Kraft, Harold (Mike) Kraft, Albert Abel and Bob Kraft.