Bernard V. Schmidt Jr.

Bernard Vincent Schmidt passed away at Community First Medical Center on May, 19 2018 at the age of 86. Bernie was born December 12, 1931 in Chicago to Bernard and Sophie Schmidt. Bernie was the oldest of two and graduated from Lane Tech High School. Just after high school, Bernie met his future wife, Sara DiPrima, at Victor Adding Machine. Shortly thereafter, on Valentine's Day 1952, they got engaged. Bernie was drafted into the Army to serve in Korea during the Korean War. Bernie saw combat and was in an artillery unit. While he was on furlough, Bernie and Sara wed on October 4, 1952 at St. Bartholomew in Chicago. Bernie and Sara have three children, Bernie, Teresa, and Mary. Bernie and Sara purchased their house on Oriole in September of 1960, and they each resided there until their subsequent passing. Bernie spent many years working at Charles Bruning Company as a supervisor. The company merged with Addressograph-Multigraph and Bernie worked in the Multigraphics division of AM International. Bernie then went to Cooper Lighting as a Supervisor, before retiring in 1997. After retirement, Bernie worked at Carson Pirie Scott as a seasonal employee. Bernie grew up a Cubs fan, attended games as often as possible. His favorite player was Ernie Banks. Bernie later became a White Sox fan and attended the last game at old Comiskey Park in 1990 as well as the first game in new Comiskey Park in 1991. His happiest sports moment as a fan was in 2005 when the White Sox won their first World Series in 88 years. Bernie was also a huge Bears fan, and did his own Super Bowl Shuffle in January of 1986 when the Bears won their first and only super Bowl. Bernie also enjoyed annual Chicago Wolves hockey games with the family for his birthday. When not watching professional baseball, Bernie would take in a game of little league featuring one of his three grandsons (Matthew, Joseph, and Jeffrey) or his granddaughter (Nicole). Bernie loved to spend time outdoors, and many summers were spent at The Cottage in Antioch. Quite often, he spent many visits to The Cottage with his grandchildren, who he would fish with, swim with, and play sports with. Bernie oversaw the grounds at Bluff Lake Lodges. Later, he was voted in as President of Bluff Lake Lodges. Bernie enjoyed taking fishing trips. He took several with his son (Bernie), son-in-laws (Bill and Jeff), and countless others with his closest friends, to Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Canada. Bernie was a devoted Catholic and was a member of St. Francis Borgia. Bernie is survived by his children; Bernie (wife Donna), Teresa (husband Bill), and Mary (husband Jeff) and his sister-in-law Hilda. He is also survived by his four grandchildren; Matthew (wife Veronica), Joseph (wife Kim), Jeffrey, and Nicole. Additionally, he is survived by his great-granddaughter Isabella. Bernie is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends from all walks of life. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Sophie, his wife Sara, and his brother Donald. Funeral services: Bernie will lie in state 9:30 AM, Thursday, May 24, 2018 at St Francis Borgia Church, in the chapel, 8033 W Addison St. with a funeral mass to begin at 10:30 AM, followed by military honors. Entombment will be at St Joseph Cemetery in River Grove, IL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Deaf Ministry at St. Francis Borgia, through Father Joe Mulcrone.