METAMORA - Craig E. Schertz, 67, of Metamora, Ill., passed away peacefully Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, at his home, after a two and a half year battle with cancer.

He was born July 18, 1948, to Dale and Henrietta (Goebel) Schertz and grew up with his two brothers in Eureka, Ill., in the loving home of Tony and Henrietta Ritchie. He married Sherry Schertz on Aug. 8, 1970, in Metamora.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an ordnance man on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt. He spent his life working in the music industry as a music store manager and guitar teacher.

As a man who truly loved all the good things life had to offer, Craig enjoyed fishing with his family, coaching his daughters on the softball field, golfing with his buddies, challenging anyone to a game of cards, drinking a cold Coors Light with his sons-in-law, going to the zoo with his grandkids and, most of all, sitting on his back deck enjoying nature. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Ray Charles, D.A. Points, Ben Zobrist and any event in which his grandchildren were participating.

Second only to his family, his true passion in life was the guitar. He could always be found with a pick in his pocket on the off chance a friend might stop by to make music. Many would argue that Craig's musician friends were his second family.

He is survived by many loved ones, including Sherry, his wife of 45 years; four daughters, Traci (Frank) Orellana of Ozark, Mo., Kerri (Scott) Borlin of Washington, Jen (Zach) Plym of Seatonville and Kelly (Jack) Revallo of Germantown Hills; 12 grandchildren, Reese, Belle, Shelby, Payton, Marcus, Grant, Jake, Sophie, Josie, Charlie, Noah and Camden, to whom he will always be known as "Poppo"; and three brothers, Randy (Judy) Schertz of Eureka, Brian (Renee) Ritchie of Germantown, Tenn., and Ross Schertz of Arizona. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other beloved family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Schertz; stepfather, Tony Ritchie; and mother, Henrietta Ritchie.

Per Craig's wishes, in lieu of a visitation, a celebration of life will be held for all family and friends at Snyder Village Community Center on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at 1 p.m. We invite those who have been touched by his life to stop in to visit with the family. All are welcome to stay for a luncheon. Please bring your smiles, memories and guitars to celebrate the life of a man who truly loved life. Prior to the celebration of life, a memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Eureka United Methodist Church, with Pastor Paul Wier officiating. Military rites will be accorded at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peoria Zoo or St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.

Online condolences may be left at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Oct. 6 to Oct. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Schertz

Sponsored by Mason Funeral Home - Metamora Chapel.

7 Entries

Jim, Marilyn and Christi Foster

September 30, 2024

Craig worked for our now retired company for 12 years, and was the guy who was always positive and fun. You knew when he walked in the door and his distinctive somewhat gravelly voice would give a big "HEY There". He was upbeat everyday-and commuted 90 miles get work.
He was devoted to his work-but was absolutely committed to Sherry and his family. A good man.

Robert Geiger

October 7, 2015

My first boss, hired me at Fosters. The guy was an inspiration and someone I looked up to. Taught me my first guitar chord e9. Sometimes I would get bored and tired of cleaning Fosters floors and bathrooms so I would just ask Craig to tell me stories. Even if he already told me the stories 5 times, they never got old. I calculated once the amount of time he drove to Fosters from Peoria and back.. it was like 2 years of his life spent in that Cavalier lol. The guy made Fosters fun everyone respected him. He gave me my first beer on my birthday lol coors light, I had one sip and was like why the hell do you drink this.. he starts cracking up. I'll never forget the guy, heres to you Craig...

Craig Smith

October 7, 2015

Craig touched many people's lives through his music, which I was proud to be a part of, when we had our trio and played every weekend. It was also my pleasure to work with Craig at Byerly Music for many years and later to call on him and Jim at Foster Family Music. Our friendship goes back nearly forty years and while I know how much Poppo will be missed by his girls and all the grandkids, I believe he is playing the guitar and singing with the angels now, and I look forward to reuniting our band one day.

Jim,Mariln and Christi-Foster-Nunnally Foster

October 7, 2015

Our deepest sympathies to Sherry,the girls and the grandchildren Craig was so proud of . His music and energy will be missed but long remembered by everyone he touched in his many years at Foster Family Music.

October 7, 2015

Our deepest sympathies to Sherry,the girls and grandchildren .
Its with much fondness and many smiles that we remember the many years that Craig worked at Foster Family Music .Craig and Sherry were friends for many years before that-going on piano company sponsored sales incentive trips,and seeing them at Kimball Piano dealer meetings .
When after selling his stores he agreed to come to work at Foster Family Music-it began a 12 plus year commute {over 3 hous round-trip} from Metamora to our stores in Moline and Bettendorf as Sales Manager . Always high energy,with a Fonzie-like greeeting when coming in the door "Whaaaats Happenin",Craig never failed to spark up the troops .

Tavelle Matteucci (Evans)

October 6, 2015

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.

Chuck and Sue Schertz

October 6, 2015

So sorry to hear about Craig. God must have needed another angle.

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