Melvin E. Schmidt, age 86, of Savoy, IL, formerly of Chicago, IL, died at 8:20 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004, at his home in Savoy. Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, in the Chapel Hill Garden West Cemetery in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, 17 W. 201 Roosevelt Rd., with Rev. an an Leer officiating. Joines Funeral Home, IL. Rt. 130 S., is handling local arrangements. Mr. Schmidt was born Nov. 16, 1917 in Chicago, IL, a son of Ivan and Erna, nee Riesberg Schmidt, he married Lucille Hickman, who died in 1997. Surviving are one son, Fred Schmidt of Montgomery, AL, one daughter, Deneen Hoffman of Villa Grove, IL; and two granddaughters. Mr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his wife; and one brother. Mr. Schmidt served in the U.S. Army during WWII where he earned the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Mr. Schmidt was employed by Sears and Roebuck for 44 years, he was an active member in the Berkley-Hillside Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. Mr. Schmidt enjoyed bird watching, playing Yahtzee, traveling and the Chicago Cubs.
