Craig E. Schertz

Craig E. Schertz, 67, of Metamora, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at his home after a two and a half year battle with cancer. He was born July 18, 1948, to Dale and Henrietta (Goebel) Schertz and grew up with his two brothers in Eureka, IL in the loving home of Tony and Henrietta Ritchie. He married Sherry Schertz on August 8, 1970 in Metamora. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an ordnance man on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. He spent his life working in the music industry as a music store manager and guitar teacher. As a man who truly loved all the good things life had to offer, Craig enjoyed fishing with his family, coaching his daughters on the softball field, golfing with his buddies, challenging anyone to a game of cards, drinking a cold Coors Light with his sons-in-law, going to the zoo with his grandkids, and most of all, sitting on his back deck enjoying nature. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Ray Charles, D.A. Points, Ben Zobrist, and any event in which his grandchildren were participating. Second only to his family, his true passion in life was the guitar. He could always be found with a pick in his pocket on the off chance a friend might stop by to make music. Many would argue that Craig's musician friends were his second family. He is survived by many loved ones including Sherry, his wife of 45 years; four daughters, Traci (Frank) Orellana of Ozark, MO, Kerri (Scott) Borlin of Washington, Jen (Zach) Plym of Seatonville, and Kelly (Jack) Revallo of Germantown Hills; 12 grandchildren, Reese, Belle, Shelby, Payton, Marcus, Grant, Jake, Sophie, Josie, Charlie, Noah, and Camden to whom he will always be known as "Poppo"; three brothers, Randy (Judy) Schertz of Eureka, Brian (Renee) Ritchie of Germantown, TN, and Ross Schertz of Arizona. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Schertz; step-father, Tony Ritchie; and mother, Henrietta Ritchie. Per Craig's wishes, in lieu of a visitation, a Celebration of Life will be held for all family and friends at Snyder Village Community Center on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. We invite those who have been touched by his life to stop in to visit with the family. All are welcome to stay for a luncheon. Please bring your smiles, memories, and guitars to celebrate the life of a man who truly loved life. Prior to the Celebration of Life a memorial service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eureka United Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Wier officiating. Military rites will be accorded at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peoria Zoo or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.