Karl James Schmidt

Karl J. Schmidt, 96, of Farmington, IL, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed away at 8:35 pm on Sunday, February 28, 2021, at Farmington Country Manor Nursing Home in Farmington, IL. He was born on October 28, 1924 in Peoria, IL, to Karl and Louise (Honold) Schmidt. He married Vonda Lee Umdenstock on May 17, 1947 at St. Thomas Church in Peoria Heights, IL.

Surviving are his two daughters, Becky (Jim) Dailey of Metamora and Karla (Calvin Youman) Schmidt of Peoria Heights; five grandchildren, Rob (Kathy) Dailey of Metamora, Renee (Tom) Carrigan of Bloomington, IL, Shay Clark of Washington, IL, Jacob Backes of East Peoria, IL, and Ashley Backes of Metamora; seven great-grandchildren, Morgan (Brandon) DuBois, Jenna, Katie, Lilly, Averie, Jaxson, and Lucas; and one great-great-grandson, Tatum. Karl was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vonda of almost 65 years, son Dennis Eugene, four sisters Virginia, Teresa, Monica, and Genevieve, and his nephew Gary Dean Heilman.

Karl was a United States WWII Marine Veteran. He served on Guadalcanal, Guam, and Iwo Jima and received the Purple Heart and a U.S. Military Citation. Karl was in the 3rd Division R2 Intelligence which included drawing maps for the Marine/Military invasions. He and another Marine saved the life of 2nd Lieutenant Patrick Caruso on Iwo Jima. Corp. Karl J. Schmidt witnessed the raising of the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima. On Guam, he was wounded and was within five minutes from being buried at sea. The chaplain saw him blink his eyes and that in turn saved his life.

Karl lived in Peoria all his life. Being a carpenter and contractor, he owned his own business, K. J. Schmidt Weather Stripping with his son, Dennis, working with him. He enjoyed boating on the Illinois River with his family and friends. Bradley Basketball games, music, and professional plays were also favorites. While in the nursing home his “vacation” was enjoying his music therapy sessions. Karl’s favorite songs were The Marine Hymn, Canadian Sunset, and Flowers on the Wall. His favorite movie was “The Music Man.” Karl was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Spring Bay Post #1115, Carpenters Union, and a member of St. Thomas Church.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with Chaplain John Sipf officiating and with military rites accorded. Due to COVID-19, CDC guidelines will be followed. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time on Tuesday also at the funeral home. Private family burial of ashes will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery in West Peoria at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Farmington Country Manor Nursing Home, 701 South Main Street, Farmington, IL 61531. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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