Gary Andrew Schmidt and Holly Sue (Bitner) Schmidt of Sycamore, IL left this earth on September 29, 2025.

Gary was born April 14, 1965 in Elmhurst, IL to George and Jean (Ralls) Schmidt.

Holly was born May 15, 1966 in Morris, IL to Gerald and Sandra (Thompson) Bitner, and raised by her adoptive parents Dean and Sharon (Magee) Bitner.

Gary and Holly had just celebrated 35 years of marriage.

Gary was an expert carpenter with a natural talent and eye for detail. He spent 35 years with Blinderman Construction Company, where his father was the company's first employee. Starting as a carpenter's apprentice, he worked his way up to Senior Superintendent and led some of the largest and most challenging projects across multiple states, including several Chicago Public Libraries and schools, O'Hare Airport's ring tunnel, and, most recently, two projects for the State of Illinois in DeKalb and Dixon.

Gary led with both experience and humility, known for his steady leadership and the respect he showed to everyone he worked with. In a company spotlight, he shared words that reflected his approach to life and work: "This is a family. You need help? You ask. You get it. Work with people, not against them."

Holly's career was rooted in service and her love for people and animals. From her first job at age 12 working at a dog kennel to grooming dogs at Amberleaf Animal Hospital, she was known for her care and compassion. She made lifelong friends while working at various horse farms and later as an X-ray Tech at Central DuPage Hospital. After taking time off to raise her three beloved children, she began her role as a Paraeducator for the Sycamore School District, where she spent over 20 years supporting students, teachers, and staff. Those who worked with Holly remember her giving heart — she often provided snow gear in winter and even bicycles for students who didn't have their own.

Known as the ultimate handyman, Gary's love language was acts of service. He was always fixing cars, bikes, or anything that needed mending - especially for his kids. His care showed up in the quiet ways he helped and in the many things he built to make life a little easier for those he loved. Even when he was slightly annoyed, he could always be convinced to repaint a room or two when his wife or daughters decided it needed a new look.

Gary was happiest in his perfectly organized garage. working on his snowmobiles, or "up north" in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There, he led his best friends on the trails and was affectionately known as "Magellan" — he knew every turn and landmark like the back of his hand.

Holly had a knack for finding treasures. Whether through thrifting, garage sales, or Facebook Marketplace, she went the extra mile to find things her loved ones needed curate her beautiful home, and collect the best "Holly Jolly" Christmas décor. She was happiest on horseback or on a bike ride with her closest friends, sharing laughter and sunshine along the way. She loved nothing more than a trip with her kids or having them all home together. Her favorite memory was exploring Yosemite with Gary and their children — a time that perfectly captured her joy in being surrounded by family and nature.

They are survived by their three children Kevin, Shannon, and Allie. Brothers: Gregory and Glenn Schmidt, and Aaron and Michael Bitner; Sisters: Gayle Campbell and Geri Schmidt, Lisa (Bitner) McCloskey and Heidi (Bitner) Scaletta; and their thirteen nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents: George and Jean (Ralls) Schmidt, Gerald and Sandra (Thompson) Bitner, and Dean and Sharon (Magee) Bitner; as well as their niece and nephew Asheri and Bryan Campbell.

Their public memorial visitation will be on Thursday, October 9th from 3:00-8:00 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 26555 Brickville Road, Sycamore, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barn on Baseline- https://www.thebarnonbaseline.org/fundraising or  The Mercer Area Snogoers snowmobile club - https://mercersnogoers.com/product/general-donation

To sign the online guest book or share a memory- go to http://www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com

For information or questions, please call the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore - 815-895-2833.