Christopher "Chris" L. Schinneer

Christopher L. Schinneer, 55, of Springfield died on Sunday, September 28, 2008 at St. John's Hospice after courageously battling cancer for over five years. He was born on June 19, 1953 in Springfield to Robert and Eloise Barbre Schinneer. He married Sandy Burger on June 6, 1981. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert, and his brother Phil. Chris was a Griffin High School graduate and attended Lincoln Land Community College and the University of Illinois. He was a graphic artist starting his career with Thomas Publishers. It was during the early years at Thomas that his interest in Frank Lloyd Wright and architecture began. He joined the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives as a graphic artist in 1976. Over his tenure of 32 years he had several promotions and eventually became AIEC's manager of graphic services. Chris also had a sign painting partnership with his father in the 1980s. He served as a member and chairman of the credit committee and as a director and vice president of the board of directors of the IEC Federal Credit Union for 22 years. He was a volunteer for Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery. He was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, and enjoyed camping, trout fishing and playing golf and volleyball. He was a founding member of the Volleyball Chilli Club. He valued his friendships and was known for his generosity and sense of fair play. Above all he was a devoted and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sandy of Springfield; daughters, Colleen and Lauren, both of Springfield; mother, Eloise of Rochester; brother, David (Karen) of Springfield; sisters, Michele (Bob) Smith of Tenants Harbor, ME, Stephanie (Jim) Hanely of Taylorville, Patrice (Dan) Olson of Farragut, TN, and Elise (Rich) Miksch of Frisco, TX; aunt, Helen Smarjesse; twelve nieces and nephews, many cousins and in-laws. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 4:00 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Liturgy of the Word will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield with Rev. Msgr. John R. Ossola officiating. Memorials may be made to Lincoln Memorial Garden, 2301 East Lake Dr., Springfield, IL 62712; Mini O'Beirne Crisis Nursery, 1011 N. 7th St., Springfield, IL 62702; or ICCSF/IEC Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield IL 62708.