Caroline Freeburg Schertz

Caroline Freeburg Schertz, 79, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. Caroline was born on February 26, 1938 in Peoria, IL to Dale and Deborah Freeburg. Caroline graduated from Metamora High School in 1956 and received both a B.S. and M.S. from Bradley University. Caroline and Donald R. Schertz were married on May 28, 1959.

An avid gardener and teacher, Caroline spent her life dedicated to making the world a better place; first in raising three daughters and one son, second as a teacher at Bergan High School, Peoria Notre Dame and part-time at Bradley University, third as a political activist on the Woodford County Board and last as the co-founder of Green Acres Herb Farm.

Caroline's desire for everyone to be their best is most clearly summed up by her slogan "Some people are put on earth to comfort the afflicted. Some, like me, are here to afflict the comfortable!" She encouraged her family, her students and her friends to continue to learn, grow and explore God's bounty in everyday life. Caroline served on the Education Committee of the Central District of the General Conference Mennonite Church where she was active in founding the Chicago Mennonite Learning Center (CMLC). Caroline was an active member of the CMLC board. Her work on the Woodford County Board helped improve the world for all in the region.

Caroline's greatest joy involved plants. She seemed to have 10 green thumbs, from growing African violets from seed to enjoying her 50 year old cacti. After her retirement, she and her husband, Donald R. Schertz, founded The Moss Rose, later called Green Acres Herb Farm. They grew chemical free herbs, vegetables and flowers and sold them at several farmer's markets in central Illinois. "The Herb Lady" could be found every Saturday in her straw hat and market dress sharing her love of nature, offering recipes for new herbs and vegetables, and greeting each customer as though they were old friends. Caroline was a founding member of the Illinois Herb Association and served multiple terms on the board.

Caroline's strength of character, passion for life and love of God and family will carry on in the lives of her friends and family. Caroline is survived by her husband of fifty-nine years, Dr. Donald R. Schertz; her four children and their spouses Elizabeth (Dan) Lewandowski, Barbara (Frank) Riley, Priscilla (Michael) Greenhalgh and Tom (Rena) Davis; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two siblings Thomas (Sharon) Freeburg and Deborah (Bill) Stickelmaier. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Metamora Mennonite Church with church ministers officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, August 11, 2017 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel and also one hour prior to her services on Saturday at the church. Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday at Stewart Harmony Cemetery in Metamora. Per Caroline's request, bright colors and florals are to be worn. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Open Arms Food Pantry of Metamora, her church or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.