Charles E. Schmidt, Jr.

Charles E. Schmidt, Jr., 82, of East Peoria, IL, died at 6:39 pm Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Riverview ManorCare in East Peoria, surrounded by his devoted wife and his dear friends. Born on December 2, 1929 in Peoria, IL to Charles E. and Grace E. Brown Schmidt, Sr. He married Lavern E. “Tootie” Doering on April 11, 1953 in East Peoria, IL. Surviving are his loving wife, Tootie, his sister-in-law, Jay (Dick) Brown of Michigan and brother-in-law, George (Janine) Doering of California and devoted nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Donald E. Schmidt. He attended grade school in East Peoria and was a 1947 graduate of East Peoria Community High School. He attended Browns Business College and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. A US Army veteran, he served in Japan from 1951-1953. Charlie started his banking career at age 8 counting money at 1st National Bank in East Peoria. He entered banking full-time and became the Vice-President in charge of bookkeeping in 1953 and was later named as Executive Vice-President following the death of his father and brother in 1970. He became President and CEO in 1980 after the death of his mother, and retired on May 7, 1982 after 45 years of service. An active community member, he was a Charter Member of the East Peoria Optimist, served on the Board of Directors of the Peoria Credit Bureau, served as Secretary/Treasurer of the East Peoria Welfare Association in 1957, as Secretary/Treasurer of the Fall Festival Committee, was a life member of the VFW Post #2078 in East Peoria, and was a member of the East Peoria Historical Society, Mass Transit Development Board of East Peoria, and member of the East Peoria Community High School Alumni Association. Charlie also was a member of the East Peoria Hilton Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite and the Mohammed Shrine. He also served as Past President and Treasurer of the East Peoria Jaycees, receiving their Distinguished Service Award in 1957 and served as the Treasurer of the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce for 25 years, receiving the Business Person of the Year Award in 1979. He was a member of the East Peoria First United Methodist Church, where he served as a member of the finance committee and as the Church Treasurer for over 50 years, served as Assistant Communion Steward for 59 years, and was a member of the Methodist Men’s Club. An avid Bradley University fan, Charlie enjoyed attending basketball games and was a member of the Bradley Braves Club. He and Tootie were also able to enjoy many years of extensive travel. Funeral Services will be at 11 am Saturday, June 2, 2012 at East Peoria First United Methodist Church. Pastor Mary Arnold will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Friday, June 1, 2012 at the church, with additional visitation from 10-11 Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to express their appreciation to Riverview Manorcare, OSF Hospice, and OSF St. Francis Medical Center for their wonderful care and concern.

Charles E. Schmidt, Jr.

December 2, 1929 - May 29, 2012