Milton helped out on the family farm and then began working at Lincoln Steel in 1955 as a welder. He was drafted into the Army in 1956 where he served in the Korean War, as an armored tank mechanic. He was honorably discharged in 1958 at Fort Riley in Kansas. After his military service he returned to Lincoln Steel as a welder and earned certification in four states. In 1973 he changed careers and began working at Goodyear as a maintenance mechanic on second shift. After retiring from Goodyear in 1996, Milton stayed busy in his home shop manufacturing moisture meters for Lincoln Irrigation. He retired from Lincoln Irrigation in 2014.
Milton married the love of his life, Marlene Steinbach, on May 6th, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Cedar Hill. The two moved to Lincoln and settled in the Havelock District to raise their family. The two made many memories on their travels to Alaska.
Milton enjoyed old cars, hunting, and a beverage with family and friends. He liked playing pitch and horseshoe. Milton had a deep love for music. In his younger years he played the trumpet in the David City High School marching band and later played multiple instruments in the Emil Herms Polka Band. He enjoyed listening to a wide genre of music. Milton loved learning about his Czech heritage and the language. He was always quick to greet people with “Jak se más” and expected the response “dobře”. Milton loved fabricating with steel, doing layout work and tinkering in his shop. Milton was a humble and simple man who loved his family. He enjoyed talking and reminiscing with everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Smid; his siblings, Mildred Urbanek, Marcela Sklenar, Leonard Smid and brothers and sisters-in-laws.
Milton is survived by his wife, Marlene; his sister Dorris Moellenbrendt; his children Cindy (Frank) Hicken, Duane (Kate) Smid, Roxanne (Alan) Rubenstein and Roger (Julie) Smid; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Landon) Freitag, Megan (Travis) Miller, Monica (Tom) Ross, Zachary Hicken, Alexis Salmon, Ian Salmon, Derek Smid, Kerra Smid, and Krista Smid; and great grandchildren, Broderick, Donovan and Violet Miller; Thea, Colt and Chase Freitag; and Camden Ross.
Funeral Services to be held on Monday, August 25th, 2025 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 6111 Morrill Avenue in Lincoln, NE. Rosary at 10:00 AM and Mass at 10:30 AM.
Followed by a Military Burial at Lincoln Memorial 6800 S 14th St. Reception to be held at the South Roper & Sons location 3950 Hohensee Dr, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Memorials to Saint Patrick Catholic Church or to the family for a memorial to be determined at a later date.