John Frederick "Dob" Schmidt (March 27, 1926 - February 19, 2014)

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John Schmidt

Born in Illinois

87 years

140831

     John Frederick “Dob” Schmidt, 87, a lifelong resident of Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, February 19 2014, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
     Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2014, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, with Deacon John Murphy officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, two hours prior to services at the funeral home. Following services, cremation rites will be accorded and there will be a private interment for the family at St. Mary Cemetery in West Peoria.
     John was born on March 27, 1926 in Peoria, the son of John and Katherine (Barden) Schmidt. Early in his childhood, John was nicknamed "Dobbie" by his father, who said he was always "dobbing in the coal bucket" to get the coal that was used to heat the family home. "Dob" or "Dobbie" became his name and it was by this name that he was addressed by almost everyone throughout his life.
     Dob attended school at Roosevelt and then St. Patrick. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 24, 1944 at Fort Sheridan and served in Okinawa for over a year with Battery A of the 749th Field Artillery Battalion, operating the 8 inch Howitzer. The young Corporal was proud to have served with Red Skelton and the story of how the star shot a snake and saved his life was passed down to his children. Dob's military decorations include the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal with two Overseas Service Bars. He was honorably discharged on April 12, 1946 from Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
     Dob married Ruby Young in Peoria in October of 1950 and they were blessed with two daughters, Susan and Peggy. Dob and Ruby divorced and he later married Juanita Fern Coleman on June 8, 1968 in Peoria. She died on August 5, 2005.
     Dob enjoyed his life as a truck driver and spent many years driving for Ruan, Melvin and Burlington. He loved his daughters immensely and took every opportunity to visit with them both and their families, whether in Illinois or on numerous trips to Ireland, where Susie made her home.
     Dob was a skilled craftsman and loved woodworking and carpentry. He shared his many puzzles, trinkets and gifts with all his friends and family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren meant the world to him and he was a huge part of their daily lives. Grandpa Dob attended their baseball games, plays and any of their sports activities.
     Although Dob was a friend to all, his best friend was his brother, Don, with whom he shared a special bond. He was also very close with his sister, Eleanor and his nephews, Virgil and Phillip. Family tree was an important part of his life and he and his niece, Debbie, spent many years "prowling the cemeteries", as Dob referred to it.
     Lawrence Welk and The Golden Girls were among his favorite television shows and he always made sure to watch them. He was fascinated by war movies, specifically WWII, regarding the Battle of the Bulge, which claimed the life of his brother, Ervin.
     Dob is survived by his beloved daughters, Susie Kennedy of Ireland and Peggy Lester of Henry; his grandchildren, Aoife Kennedy of Ireland, Merideth (Bob) Krafft of Henry, Johnathon Walker and his fiancée, Jessica Machroli of Henry and Mellissa Morgan Lester of Henry; great-grandchildren, Robbie, Mason and Skyler Krafft and Nathan Machroli, all of Henry, as well as Cian and Joni Stanley, both of Dublin; brother, Donald Schmidt of Bellevue; and nephews, Virgil (Pam) Urban of Creve Coeur, Phillip (Kathy)Urban of Peoria, Donald (Michelle) Schmidt of Bellevue; nieces, Diane (Skip) Pierson of Bartonville, Debbie (Tim) Lequia of Mackinaw and Darlena (Lonnie) Pitsonbarger of Manteno.
     Dob truly cherished his entire extended family and countless neighbors and close friends, the Coyle and Rafferty families and Bill Roberts, with whom he visited frequently and cared for deeply. Dob's laughter, antics, jokes and stories will forever missed by all who were blessed to have known him. He’ll be sadly missed by friends in Peoria, Henry and Ireland.
     In addition to his parents, Dob was preceded in death by his wife, Nita; eight siblings, Baby Mary Agnes in 1905, Harold in 1923, Ervin in 1945, Baby Elizabeth in 1924, Bernard in 1929, Cathryn in 1998, Bernice Perkins in 2000 and Elenor Urban in 2002; a special nephew, Frederick "Buster" Urban in 1980; his son-in-law, Larry E. Lester in 1996, his niece, Dorothy in 2013; and his lifelong friend, Mildred "Mil" Young in 2009.
     Contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

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Latest Condolences

C. Borurguet

My deepest condolence

February 18, 2017

It is my wish to express my condolences and convery a conforting thought based on the Scriptures.

John 5:28 " Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out".

This passage speaks of open resurrection of our loved ones. It is God's plan to see us suffer an die, so invites us to "come near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8)

Please go to the following link to obtain mor information rearding the Hope expressed in this passage.

http.//www.jw.or

Brad,Lori & Caitlyn Pennington

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

February 24, 2014

We are so saddened to hear of Dobbie's passing but remember with fondness our West Peoria neighbor. Dobbie's creative wooden toys are still on our 24 year old daughter's shelf! He was a joy to be around and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are his family.

Sharon McBride

good guy

February 24, 2014

I met Dob several times at the Raffertys and enjoyed those times. You lost a very good person. My sympathies to all of you.

Phyllis & Bill

John (Dob) Schmidt's friends

February 24, 2014

Thinking of all of you. Grieving for our best buddy here in Texas. It won't be the same without him. Should be home about March 8th.

Becky Latham

Heaven

February 22, 2014

Heaven recieved another beautiful angel, Great Uncle Dobbie, I will miss you. Knowing you and seeing the love you had for my mom was so special. You are together now. Susie and Peggy, my heart aches for you, but how lucky you were to have such wonderful father.
Love, Becky

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