Posted by
Billy on Wednesday, January 14, 2009 8:29:56 PM
Dozens of books stuffed full of newspaper and magazine articles were stacked on the dresser and television set of Walter Schmitt's spartan room the day he died last year. As his last hours slipped away, the Gresham, Neb., native chatted about current events with a friend and prayed a little.
The 94-year-old was a retired blacksmith, a high school graduate and a lifelong learner. He also was a millionaire.
After a life of frugal living and wise investing, Schmitt gave to others in death what he didn't have in life: a college education.
Schmitt gave his entire $3.5 million estate to the University of Nebraska Foundation. The gift, known as the Schmitt Scholarship Fund, will provide scholarships annually to students at the four University of Nebraska campuses, said Dorothy Endacott, foundation spokeswoman.