The Superior Express -

Lori Lee Schardt, 56, was born on April 4, 1963, and died Sunday, March 29. She was born the youngest of five children to Paul and Grace (Holtzen) Schardt of Deshler.

Lori was baptized on April 21, 1963, at Trinity Lutheran Church at Friedensau, by Pastor E.T. Baumann. She was later confirmed in her faith by Pastor Kenneth Benson, also of Trinity Lutheran.

Lori attended the School of New Hope in Hebron. She also attended Hebron Public Schools and completed her education in 1984. She then enrolled and completed a food service training program in Lincoln, Neb.

Lori enjoyed swimming and competed in Special Olympics at the local and state level. In 1983 she earned a gold medal in swimming at the state level and was one of four women chosen to represent Nebraska in swimming at the international competition. The Nebraska women’s swim team competed at the International Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, La., in July 1983. They earned a silver medal in the 100 meter relay. Lori also competed in the 25 meter freestyle and the 25 meter backstroke in Baton Rouge.

In 1986, Lori was employed at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler.

She later moved to Superior, where she worked at the Crest Theatre and the Good Samaritan Home as part of ESU 6 program. In 2000 she moved to Holdredge, as part of the Bethphage and Mosaic program and worked at the Corner Nugget store. In 2015 she moved to Minden, as part of South Central Developmental Services. This program brought her to her current home in Lexington.

Lori was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Grace Schardt; her brother, Ronald Schardt; and two nephews, Barrett Nietfeldt and Jonathan Schardt (infant).

She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Laverne Nietfeldt (Paulette) of Omaha; brothers, Dennis Schardt of Kearney, Douglas Schardt of Deshler; and sister-in-law, Patricia Schardt of Deshler.

A private graveside service was held at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, Deshler. Officiant was Pastor Brian Francik. Casket bearers were Aaron Schardt, Rodney Nietfeldt, Brian Schardt and Andrew Schardt; honorary casket bearers were Brenann Nokelby, Henry Schardt, Garret Nokelby, Jacob Nokelby, Jonathan Schardt, and Joshua Rathjen.