John F. Schmaling

John F. Schmaling
John passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2016 at the age of 89. Beloved husband
of Barbara for 63 years. Loving father of Mark, Mary Anne (John) Goddard and Jeffery (Hollis). Cherished grandfather to Jennifer (Marshall) Connelly , Matthew (Rita), Shannon (Kevin) Fonger , Katie, Alex, Bryan and Joseph. Great grandfather to Harrison and Oliver. Further survived by sister Roberta Westberg and brother Richard (Grace). Preceeded in death by sister Mary Lou (Rice).
John was born in Rockford on September 4, 1926 to parents Bert and Vera (Mapes). After
serving in the Army Air Corps in France at the end of WWII he attended and graduated from the
University of Illinois. He married Barbara (Duhigg) in 1952 and began a successful career at
Factory Supplies Company where he retired after 44 years in 1991.
John was a dedicated volunteer for many years at Swedish American Hospital and Meals on
Wheels and was a Charter member of Spring Creek Congregational Church. An avid sailor, he
spent many happy years on his sailboat the Wind Lass.
A memorial service to celebrate John's life will be held on March 12th at 11:00am at Spring
Creek Congregational Church located at 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, Illinois 61114. In
lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of choice.