John Charles Schmitt, 72, of Algonquin, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2020, at Midwest Medical Center in Galena, Illinois. Due to COVID-19, a celebration of his life will be significantly delayed, and a date is yet to be determined. Please follow the John Schmitt Memorial Facebook page at fb.me/SchmittMemorial for updates.
John was born May 14, 1948, in Natrona Heights, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles W. and Alice E. (Dean) Schmitt. He served in the United States Navy from 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1971. He married Cheryl A. Wilk in November 1970 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights. He retired from AT&T after 40 years of service.
John was a devoted public servant, serving as an Algonquin Village Trustee from 1993 to 2003 and as Algonquin Village President from 2003 until his death. He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He enjoyed Formula One racing, vintage and sports cars, cooking, Chautauqua Institution, his dogs, and his Galena retreat. John was dedicated, loyal, kind, generous, determined, fair, courteous, thoughtful, loving, encouraging and hard-working. He loved his family and dear friends.
John is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two daughters, Kimberly J. Schmitt (Lawrence Rhyner Jr.) and Elizabeth A. (Nathaniel) Brechler; his five grandchildren, Ethan, Jackson, Emma, Amelia and Allyson; and his brother, Thomas (Kate) Schmitt. He was preceded in death by his parents.
