Obituary of Harold Frederick Schmarje
Harold Frederick Schmarje, age 90, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at home surrounded by family. He was born on December 19, 1932, in Chicago IL, to Frederick John Schmarje and Catherine Elizabeth Kremsreiter. He was married to Patty J. Jackson on August 6, 1983. She survives.
Survivors include two sisters, Dolores (Dolly) Forch of Arlington Heights, IL and Marilyn Maher, Grayslake, IL; sister in law, Polly Schmarje, Grayslake, IL; children, William (Kay) Schmarje, Sue Schmarje Mathews, Regina Schmarje, all of Elizabethtown, IL, Marsha Martin of Desloge, MO, Dallas (Tanya) Jackson Jr of Urbana, IL, Steven Jackson of Wildwood, Fl, and Pamela Jackson of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, B.J. (Leslie) Schmarje, Liza (Randy) Hise, Sara (Kyle) Barronpohl, Lacy Matthews, Josie Price, Levi Henry, Tracey Miller, Cindy (Kevin) Calvin, Shannon (Robert) Strauser, Tonya Sheets, Jacent Jackson, Ryan (Sarah) Jackson, Adam (Alyssa) Jackson, Wesley (Derek) Butler-Jackson, and Melanie Jackson; twenty-two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert (Bob); son in law, Loy Price; uncle, Otto Kremsreiter; daughter, Carolyn Miller; granddaughters, Raelen Miller and Kimberly Allen.
Harold was born and reared in Chicago. He graduated from St. Priscilla Catholic School and Lane Tech.
He served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic. He possessed a variety of skills and used them in various areas of employment. He retired as plant Superintendent of the Tammsco Silica plant, Tamms, Illinois.
He enjoyed bow hunting with his brother Bob, reading Popular Mechanics magazines, working with wood, and repairing things. He was a prolific reader.
Today, April 29, 2023, our beloved step father Harold F. Schmarje, age 90, went to his eternal home. He was a quiet, yet thoughtful man. He entered our life 40 years ago. He never forced himself into our family, and he patiently gained our trust, respect and love.
He was an Army veteran and proud of his service. He never bragged about any of his life accomplishments, and there were many. He loved our mother and until his last breath and wanted to ensure she would be okay and taken care of. He fought cancer. A lesser man would have given up years ago.
Harold was strong, of German decent, and frugal. He knew how to fix nearly anything. He wanted to live longer to see the adults his grandchildren and great-grandchildren would become. He was not a celebrity, nor a person to seek attention or affirmation.
He was a solid member of the greatest generation that went about his everyday life. He never inserted himself into anything unless asked. He didn’t tell anyone what they must do, but would share options for them to choose from, but only if asked. He was a man’s man. He was a family man.
May God open wide his arms and welcome him home. Today, he is rejoicing with loved ones that left before him. Godspeed Harold. Thank you is not enough. You are loved by us all.
Dallas Jackson Jr (step son)
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His Journey’s Just Begun
By Ellen Brenneman
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one,
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
Sadly missed by his children,
Billy, Susie, and Regina
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.
Cremation rites have been arranged at Crain Funeral Home, Cape Girardeau, MO.
Condolences may be expressed at crain@crainsonline.com . Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.
To buy flowers and gifts locally, visit www.RosiclareFlowerBasket.net .
