Gary Joseph Schmitt

November 22, 1950 – November 3, 2019

When Gary arrived on November 22, 1950, how could his dad and mom, (Louis and Clara Schmitt) possibly have known what was in store for their young family. Their darling little angel was inquisitive and more than a bit mischievous from the beginning. His mom would describe him as a handful – in a good way – as he always kept her busy. He was active and curious, always looking and getting into things – traits we think he may have passed on to his son and his grandson!

As the family grew, Gary took delight in sharing ideas and exploring with his many siblings. It often started with, "Hey, I've got an idea" and it was anyone's guess as to where it might go from there. He kept this "kid at heart" attitude throughout his life. Playing any game with Gary often led to the unexpected, as he never played by the original rules – he would say "let's make things more challenging"! He just made life fun.

As a brother, Gary was patient and thoughtful. He would take the time to show or explain things to his siblings – things like the best way to bait a hook. Or just to lend an ear.

It seems that Gary had an entrepreneurial nature from an early age. His first business venture, as a young teen, was raising rabbits. His motto was, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Shortly after he graduated, his sister Diane happened to show Gary her best friend, Loretta Josh's, picture. His immediate response was "That's My Babe!" True to heart, this started his next chapter. Gary and Loretta later married in 1973 and were fortunate to spend over 46 years with one another!

Early in their marriage, they worked together at toy manufacturer, Playskool.  Gary had already learned a strong work ethic from growing up on the farm and continued to be self-motivated and driven in order to provide for his family. Gary started doing side work in home renovation and construction and found his calling. Within a few years, he started his own business, Kishwaukee Builders, and he and Loretta continued to work together for over 40 years building and renovating homes in Dekalb County including several of their own and families' homes.

During their marriage, they had two children Natasha and Joshua. As a family, they liked to take vacations to northern Wisconsin, National Parks, the Caribbean, and Europe. Over the years, Gary enjoyed his time fishing with his brothers, his friend Kevin, his wife, his kids and son-in-law. In his retirement, Gary would spend his time between Illinois and Florida to be with both of his kids and their families.  In Illinois, he would enjoy time with his daughter Tasha and son-in-law Julian, lake and river fishing, walking in the local woods and working on projects. In Florida, Gary would spend time with his son Josh, daughter-in-law Abbey and grandchildren Wallace and Pendleton and enjoy salt water fishing, going to the beach, and playing with his grandchildren.

Gary also enjoyed reading American history, religious studies and world events. He enjoyed his daily coffee and soduku puzzles, watching westerns and action movies, birdwatching, walking in nature and putzing and tinkering in the garage.

In his later years, Gary reconnected with his faith and it was a source of great comfort and support through to the end. Anyone who knew Gary would say that he was a very kind, compassionate and caring man. He was always willing to help others out in any way he could. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, being incessantly talkative, his laughter and being a true kid at heart.

Gary passed away on November 3 ^rd , 2019 after a long battle with cancer. He and his family are appreciative of the care he received from Dr. Sabet Siddiqui and his nurses as well as the attentive care from Loyola Medical Center's nurses and doctors.

Gary is survived by his wife, Loretta; two children, Tasha (Julian) and Josh (Abbey); two grandchildren, Wallace and Pendleton; his mother, Clara; ten brothers and sisters, Larry, Diane, Janet, Den, Kate, Tom, Les, Bob, Tes, and Andy; his brothers-in-law, Russ (Maureen) and Richard (Kandy); sister-in-law, Barb; his dogs Stuart and Zoey and many, many family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis; his brothers, Ed and John; father and mother-in-law, Donald and Katheryn Josh; and his dogs, Mocha, Scout, Bojangles, Schatze, and Barron.

Gary had asked in advance of his passing that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude's, Shriners Hospital and/or the Cancer Research Institute.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Friday, November 22 ^nd at Chapel in the Pines Banquet Hall, 15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore, IL. from 4:00-8:00 pm.

Gary's last parting words:

"My best knowledge and advice to you: Let people know the truth about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and "Love".

Don't be sad for me, for I'm going to a better place, called Heaven.

Prepare yourself every day and repent of your sins every day and become reborn to Jesus Christ. Get to really know Him and the Bible. "