Henry C. Schmeink

Henry C. Schmeink, age 83 of Carlyle, entered into rest at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

Mr. Schmeink was born in Breese on January 27, 1939, the son of the late Bernard and Emma (nee Lampe) Schmeink. He married Kathleen Holtmann at St. Boniface Church in Germantown on June 23, 1967.

Henry is survived by his wife, Kathleen Schmeink of Carlyle; his children – Brian Schmeink, Lisa Kampwerth and husband Dean, Randy Schmeink and wife Natasha, and Darren Schmeink, all of Carlyle; his grandchildren – Ryan and Adam Kampwerth, Lera and Benson Schmeink, and Emmett Schmeink; 3 brothers – Arnold Schmeink and wife Mary, Leo Schmeink, and Paul Schmeink and wife Janet; a brother-in-law – James Huelsmann; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and his calico cat, General Lee.   

He was preceded in death by his parents; two infant brothers; a sister – Emma Huelsmann; and a sister-in-law – Rita Schmeink.

Henry graduated from St. Mary/Mater Dei High School in Carlyle in 1957.  He was inducted into the U.S. Army in February 1962 where he trained as a land surveyor. He was privileged to serve a 1 year tour of duty at the DMZ in Korea.  In June 1969, he began work with the City of Carlyle Utilities.  In his 35 year career, he worked in the power plant, water plant and as a journeyman lineman. He retired from the City of Carlyle in October 2004.

Henry thrived on challenges and took great pride in his work.  Whether it was home improvements or small engine repairs, people always turned to him for a creative fix or work-around.  There was never a problem he couldn't tackle. 

He enjoyed NASCAR, Jeep rides, tinkering in his garage, relaxing by his wood burning stove, building wood furniture, doing field work at the farm and spending time with his family.  Cutting, hauling and splitting wood was often a family affair, as were Sunday afternoon tractor pulls.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at St. Mary’s Church in Carlyle with Fr. George Mauck, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Zieren Funeral Home on Friday, May 6, 2022, from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M., and on Saturday, May 7, from 8:30 - 9:30 A.M.

Donations in memory of Mr. Schmeink are suggested to St. Mary’s Church or in the form of Masses. Donations will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.

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