Erwin Schmeichel

Erwin H. Schmeichel

Age 78 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by is family at his side on Wednesday January 23, 2008.

Born August 12, 1929 in Chicago, Erwin was a son of the late Henry and Hilda Kunst Schmeichel. He was a veteran of the US Army and a member of the Malcomb J. Mayo VFW Post in Wilmington. Erv's other memberships included Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, The Wilmington Historical Society and Lake Will, where he greatly enjoyed fishing and many outdoor activities. Erv was a former member of the Wilmington Moose Lodge and loved his vintage Harley Davidson three wheeler. Erv was retired from Santa Fe Railroad, where he was employed in the Police Unit for many years. He was proud of his German Heritage and greatly loved his family.

Survivors include his son Robert (Kathy) Lenihan of Chicago; two daughters: Mary Carrie of Bridgeview and Eileen Lenihan of Lockport; (12) grandchildren: Donna (the late Bob) Lenihan, Maureen (Pat) James, Tim Lenihan, Bridget Matulis, Brian (Erica) Lenihan, Colleen Lenihan, Maryellen (Bob) Goins, Dan Lenihan, Cheryl Carrie, Kristyn (Joe) Humbles, Brenda (Jason) Brick and Jennifer (Gino) Bucci; (13) great grandchildren: Matt, Luke, Connor, Taylor, Kyle, Will, Dillon, Nathaniel, Gia, Nick, Jake, Jordon and Zach; one sister Lorraine (Jim) Bailliez of Arizona and nephew Dale (Carol) Proehl, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Erv was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Margaret in 1998, grandson Bob Lenihan and nephew Keith Proehl.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be Sunday January 27, 2008 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow on Monday January 28th at 10:00AM in Saint Rose Catholic Church in Wilmington, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Rev. Steve Bondi and Deacon Donald Dyer officiating..

Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Erwin's memory to Saint Rose Catholic School or Kuzma Care Cottage.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-7621)