Edward Schmitt

1925 - 2017

Edward H. Schmitt 91 died at his home in Aurora, Illinois on Friday July 7, 2017. Ed was born on August 26, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Anne Kemp Schmitt and Henry P. Schmitt. Ed graduated from Hyde Park High School in in 1943. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the Army and would enter the United States Army Fifth Division. He saw active combat service in World War II from landing on Omaha beach until the end of the war. Under General George S. Patton the 5th division fought in Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of Metz, and the Battle of the Bulge. They were the first of the Allied troops to cross the Rhine Rhine on March 7, 1945. In May 1945 the Fifth Division entered Czechoslovakia and liberated Mauthausen Gusen concentration camp. In the service for his country Ed was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Heart Medal and the Medal of Metz. After returning from the war Ed moved to Aurora, Illinois and would manage, Sugar Grove Farm. For the next five years, while farming he attended and graduated from DePaul University in 1952. On August 23, 1952 Ed married Marie Clare Collins of Aurora and celebrated their 64thlast August. Together they would raise their family of two sons and remain in Aurora. In 1964 he started his career with the McDonald's Corporation as executive manager trainee. In 1968 Ed became a Vice President of the Chicago Region. The same year he awarded the first African American franchisee to Herman Petty in Chicago. Ed moved the regional office from Chicago to Oak Brook and the headquarters would follow a few years later. In 1977 he would become President of President of McDonald's Corporation. Ed is credited with the development and national launch of McDonald's breakfast menu. Ed also expanded drive thru service from one restaurant in Texas to across the nation. He also awarded the first Hispanic owner of McDonald's system in Nogales, Arizona and promoted Sandy Brooks, first woman Vice President outside of Ray Kroc's secretary. Ed help to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia and make it McDonald's national charity. In 1982 Ed was elected to the position of Vice Chairman of McDonald's Corporation. In that role Ed would travel organizing the structure for company's expansion around the globe. In April of 1986 Ed resigned from McDonald's Corporation to become a franchisee with his sons Ed Jr., and Richard in Aurora. He would remain involved into his 80's working behind the counter waiting on customers. Ed was active member of the Aurora for over 70 years. He served on the boards of the Old Second National Bank of Aurora, Aurora Civic Authority, Paramount Arts Center, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Provena Medical Center (now Presence), and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Benedictine University in Lisle. He was instrumental in the relocation and building of Aurora Central Catholic High School. He was a member of Holy Angels Parish for 71 years Ed is survived by his wife of 64 year Marie Clare; children Ed Jr., (Mary), of Sugar Grove, Richard (Corinne) of Glen Ellyn; Grandchildren Edward III of Chicago, Sarah Schmitt Fry (Jay) of Oakland California, Evan and Alec Schmitt of Glen Ellyn; one great grandson Hunter Fruy of Oakland; and many nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert. The Wake will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Funeral services will be on Thursday July 20, 2017 10:00am at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church 180 S. Russell Ave. Aurora, IL. 60506. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Aurora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Ed's name to Ronald McDonald House Charities.