Ernest H. Schnitz

Ernest was born on July 12, 1920 in West Salem to Amy (Hutchinson) Schnitz and Herman Schnitz. He grew up on the family farm and worked with his father beginning at an early age. He attended grade school in Lancaster and two years at what was then Lancaster High School, before finishing his high school education at Mt. Carmel High School. He married Lucille A. Corrie on January 11, 1942 at her parents’ home in Orio, IL. He and Lucille enjoyed a loving and devoted partnership that lasted the next 71 years.

Ernest served as a tank and half-track mechanic in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant in the Army’s Third Tank Battalion before being honorably discharged. Following his military service, he enjoyed a variety of work opportunities ranging from a bi-plane crop duster in Southern California, an oil field pumper, a tool and die maker for Snap-On Tools in Mt. Carmel, and farming with his father once again.

After moving to West Salem in 1962, Ernest served as the West Salem Municipal Constable for a short time. He and Lucille also built, owned, and operated a grocery store in West Salem, including a dairy bar. During his “retirement” years, Ernest returned to farming and fully restored his Dad’s 1955 Farmall tractor. Ernie enjoyed more than 25 years of travel and RV camping with Lucille throughout the Southwest and Texas, making many new friends along the way. The couple enjoyed spending winters in warmer climates and camping with the grandchildren.

Ernest is survived by his wife and partner in life of over 71 years, Lucille Schnitz, daughter, Ann and husband Ken Krejci of Villa Grove, IL; son, Gary and wife Mary Katherine Schnitz of Carmel, IN; 3 grandchildren: Kyle and wife Mindy Krejci of Macon, GA, Brian Schnitz and Megan Schnitz, both of Carmel, IN, and 3 sisters: Dorothy Gamble of Auburndale, FL, Jeanie and husband Ray Searby of Kell, IL and Rosalie and husband Lee Griesemer of Leesburg, FL.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son (Larry Ernest Schnitz), and one sister (Eleanor James).

Visitation will be held at the Zion United Methodist Church in West Salem, IL from 2 to 5 PM on Saturday, March 16, 2013. A Celebration of a Life Well Lived Service will be held on Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2:30PM at the Zion United Methodist Church of West Salem with Pastor Alice True officiating. Following the funeral, a private family burial with full military rites will take place at the Cunningham Cemetery on the 5-generation Schnitz family-owned farm near Lancaster, IL.

Ernie and Lucille have been 50 year members of the Zion United Methodist Church in West Salem. The family requests that any memorial donations be made to either the ZUM Church or the Cunningham Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.ingramfh.net.

Ingram Funeral Home of West Salem is entrusted with the arrangements.