Eugene (Gene) A. Waldschmidt

NAME Eugene "Gene" A. Waldschmidt,age 81, of Maple Park, IL, formerly of Wheaton, passed away suddenly following heart complications Sunday, April 25, 2010. BORN: He was born October 8, 1928 in Minonk, IL, the son of Peter and Edith Waldschmidt. EARLY YEARS:Gene grew up in Blackstone and attended St. Paul School in Odell where he graduated with the class of 1946. MILITARY: Gene faithfully served in the Illinois National Guard before defending his country during the Korean War. MARRIAGE: There was only one woman for Gene and her name was Dorothy Dutko whom he met on a blind date. Fate joined them in marriage when they were married at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Bloomington, IL in 1954. RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their new life together in Streator and later to Wheaton, IL. Following Gene’s retirement, they moved to Morton before returning to Maple Park to be closer to their family. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Gene’s first job was tending to the fields as a farmer with his father for at time. He also was a truck driver until he left for Korea. Upon his return he worked again as a truck driver and later was a salesman for both Doenges Stationary in Wheaton and J.A. Sexauer Plumbing and Heating Supply. MEMBERSHIPS: Gene was a faithful member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park and was proud to ride as a member of the Streator Motorcycle Club as well as the infamous "Blackstone Cowboys" that was made up of Gene and three of his brothers . LIFE NOTES: Gene also seemed to be busy and his mind always working. He loved working puzzles, playing Scrabble and reading his favorite mystery authors such as Jack Higgins and Robert Ludlum. He also loved to garden and work with wood creating one of-a kind birdhouses and Christmas decorations for family and friends. His faith was his bedrock and no time was more treasured than those times he was surrounded by family. SURVIVORS: He is survived by his wife Dorothy, Seven children:Aline Waldschmidt of Geneva, IL,Kevin (Ella) Waldschmidt of Las Vegas, NVMark (Lori) Waldschmidt of Winfield, IL, Melanie (Robert) of Wheaton, IL,David (Donelle) Waldschmidt of Aurora, IL, Joseph (Stephanie) Waldschmidt of Batavia, ILand Neil (Melanie) Waldschmidt of Geneva, IL;Sixteen grandchildren:Brian,Lisa,Jessica, Joshua,Stephen, Michael, Matthew, Robyn, Thomas, Alicia, Katie, Brandon, Ethan, Nathaniel, Claire, Matison, Four great-grandchildren:Kayla, Madeleine, Jayden and Caleb; Three sisters:Lorraine (Bob) Simpson of Largo, FL, Mary Lou Bedeker of Blackstone, IL and Edith (Harvey) Grieff of Odell, IL;Many nieces, nephews and a family of friends.PRECEDED:He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: John, Richard, James and Bernard and two sisters, Norma and Mary Margaret. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. with a wake service to follow at 6 p.m. A mass to celebrate his life Friday, at 10:30 a.m. ,April 30, 2010 at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park, IL. Fr. Joachim Tyrtania, pastor of the church, will officiate. Private family interment will occur at a later date following cremation. MEMORIAL In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to benefit St. Mary of the Assumption , Maple Park Maintenance Fund. Checks may be made to the "Eugene Waldschmidt Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Rosary will be said at 5:30 p.m. with a wake service to follow at 6 p.m. A mass to celebrate his life Friday, at 10:30 a.m. ,April 30, 2010 at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Maple Park, IL. Fr. Joachim Tyrtania, pastor of the church, will officiate.

Private family interment will occur at a later date following cremation.