Joseph R. Schaidle, 92, of Metamora, passed away at 1:08pm Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at OSF Richard L Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born August 3, 1931 at home in Germantown Hills to the late Carl and Clara Schneider Schaidle. He married Bonnie Dixon on June 23, 1951; she preceded him in death in 2005.

Surviving are his children, Kathy (Jim) Kelch, Vicki (Phil) Waldschmidt, Cindy (Gary) Smith, Karen Schaidle, David (Lori) Schaidle, and John (Barb) Schaidle; eleven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sister, Hildegard; brother, Walter (Pat); and a sister-in-law, Judy.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Doug; and ten siblings.

Joe served in the US Navy during the Korean conflict. He went to work for Caterpillar, retiring after 35 years. He loved to take his family camping and fishing. He enjoyed working his garden and growing the best tomatoes. He instilled a strong work ethic in his family and taught them so much.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church, Germantown Hills, with military honors. Father Eric Bolek will officiate. Inurnment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery, Metamora, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.