Wilfred T. Schabinger

Wilfred T. "Whitey" Schabinger, 97, of East Peoria passed away at 1:50 pm Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria. He was born on May 3, 1917 in Washington, IL the son of Henry and Anna Eberle Schabinger. He married Evelyn M. Zilch on April 22, 1941 in Kahoka, MO. She passed away on September 27, 2013. His parents, two brothers, Andrew and Woodrow Schabinger; two sisters, Verna Aberle and Katherine Keyster also preceded him in death. Surviving are three children Sandra (Donald) Lugeanbeal of East Peoria, Daryl Schabinger of Chicago, and Ron Schabinger of Tampa, FL. Also surviving are two grandchildren Jeff Lugeanbeal of Pekin and Jill (Ron) Wilson of Enterprise, AL; five great grandchildren Julia and Lauren Lugeanbeal, and Ryan, Jenna, and Jessica Wilson. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins. Wilfred retired from WABCO (now Komatsu) on March 1, 1980 after 40 years of service. He was a tool and die maker completing many tasks that not been performed previously. Whitey was an avid gardener all his life, growing a multitude of fruits and vegetables. He enjoyed playing baseball during his early married years and also enjoyed bowling for many years. He was an excellent guitar and harmonica player and entertained at many functions and at nursing homes with friends all through his eighties. He was a handyman and was always able to repair and fix anything. Wilfred was a member of RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay, IL. Services are scheduled for 11:30 am Saturday, January 31, 2015 at RiversEdge United Methodist Church in Spring Bay with Reverend Andrew Hopp officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will follow in Spring Bay Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to his church. Mason Funeral Homes in Germantown Hills is assisting with arrangements and notes of condolences may be sent using www.masonfuneralhomes.com.