Oswald Ozzie Schlack

WASHINGTON?Oswald "Ozzie" Schlack, 85, of Washington, passed away Wedneday morning, May 22, 2013 at his home. Ozzie was born in Poland on January 31, 1928 to Emil and Wanda (Lange) Schlack. He married Marga Steinhagen in Germany on March 5, 1955. Marga survives. Also surviving is one son, Heinz (Kathleen) Schlack of Washington; one daughter, Heide Schlack of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Adrienne Schlack and Timothy (Katie) Schlack, all of Washington; one great grandson, Mason Schlack; one sister-in-law, Elizabeth Schlack of Washington and a nephew, Curt (Barb) Schlack of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Ozzie was drafted in the German army at the age of 17 in 1944. He spent nine months in a POW Camp in Germany. After his release (most of the POW?s died from starvation), he visited the church whose daily ringing bells encouraged him to hang on. After the war he searched for his parents and family, finding that they had resettled in Northern Germany (West Germany). In December 1956 Ozzie and Marga immigrated to the USA, under sponsorship by St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington, with their young son, Heinz. A second child, Heide, was born in 1965. Oswald completed three year coursework and formal apprenticeship as a carpenter in Germany. In the States he worked in carpentry and construction, often working as a project supervisor. In the Peoria area, Ozzie worked for DEL Construction and Tousley-Iber Construction, prior to his retirement from Hoerr Construction. Among the many projects that Ozzie worked on, were OSF Medical Center, Illinois Central College, the Pekin Jail, St. Patrick?s Catholic Church and Washington City Hall. Ozzie was a member of the German American Society and for many years was part of the men?s chorus "Harmonie". When not working, he had a passion and talent for gardening. Funeral services for Ozzie will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington with Pastor Tom Heren officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following services. Memorials may be directed to either Our Savior Lutheran Church in Washington, where he was a member, or the American Cancer Society.