Kenneth E. Schmitt

Kenneth Edward Schmitt, age 87 of Highland, IL, died Thursday, December 20, 2012, at his residence. He was born January 19, 1925, in Highland, IL, the son of Edward Joseph and Agnes Louise (nee Bauer) Schmitt. On May 12, 1951, he married Mary Lou Schmitt (nee Vignos) who survives. He was a member of VFW Post 5694. Kenneth was born January 13, 1925 (because of a clerical error his birth was recorded as January 19, 1925) at Highland, IL. In his youth his family moved to Charleston, IL. He served with U.S. Army during World War II, earning a Bronze Star, with duties in France and Germany. In October of 1952 moved to Highland and operated Schmitt Body Shop. He built Choice Motel in the early 1950's and rebuilt it in the Mid -1970's and renaming it Cardinal Inn. He built it himself and the business is still in operation today. He was a very dedicated and loving family man. He always took time to be active with his family. He was very generous and saw the good in everyone. He enjoyed life when others were happy. He was the ultimate problem solver, no task was unattainable. He was an "out -of -the -box" thinker. He conveyed not only how but also why. His best buddy was his Boston Terrier, Bo. He was married for 61 years to the treasure of his life, Mary Lou. Survivors include : Wife - Mary Lou Schmitt nee Vignos, Highland, IL Son - Robert K. (Patricia) Schmitt, Las Vegas, NV Daughter - Carol A. (Dr. David) MacKnight, Cincinnati, OH Daughter - Connie J. Hach, Cincinnati, OH Son - Jerry M. (Debbie) Schmitt, Las Vegas, NV Daughter - Rona L. (Raymond) Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Daughter - Kara D. Mackey, Edwardsville, IL Brother - Duane (Madonna) Schmitt, Gays, IL Brother - Norman Schmitt, Charleston, IL Grandchild - Brent T. Atkinson, Cincinnati, OH Grandchild - Aaryn L. (Aaron) Allman, Cincinnati, OH Grandchild - Tara C. (Carl) Qucsai, Monroe, OH Grandchild - Karley L. (Matt) Tomsich, Cincinnati, OH Grandchild - Ryan W. Hach, Cincinnati, OH Grandchild - Carson T. Hach, Cincinnati, OH Grandchild - Justin G. Leonchik, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Katelyn L. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Ryan P. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Austin K. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Logan M. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Kasey R. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Allie M. Gregory, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Tyler J. Mackey, Edwardsville, IL Grandchild - Riley S. Mackey, Edwardsville, IL Great Grandchild - Sera N. Allman, Cincinnati, OH Great Grandchild - Michael A. Allman, Cincinnati, OH Great Grandchild - Haley J. Allman, Cincinnati, OH Great Grandchild - Leah A. Allman, Cincinnati, OH Great Grandchild - Kailey A. Qucsai, Monroe, OH Great Grandchild - Morgan C. Qucsai, Monroe, OH Great Grandchild - Landen M. Oucsai, Monroe, OH Great Grandchild - Kyler J. Hagstrom, Cincinnati, OH Great Grandchild - Derek M. Tomsich, Cincinnati, OH He was preceded in death by : Father - Edward J. Schmitt Mother - Agnes L. Schmitt nee Bauer Sister - Yourth L. Burke (DOD 12/20/2012) Sister - Lenore Cunningham Grandchild - Ashley L. Hach

Kenneth E. Schmitt

January 13, 1925 - December 20, 2012