Lillian R. Schmidke

Lillian R. Schmidke, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at Hanson Hospice Center – Stevensville following a brief battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Monday, July 17, 2017, at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, 619 Market St., St. Joseph, with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, July 16, 2017, from 1 PM until 3 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle or Trinity Lutheran Church. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lillian was born on May 20, 1929, in St. Joseph, to Oscar & Martha (Albrect) Schmidtke. On June 10, 1950, Lillian married the love of her life, Leonard W. Schmidke, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The two were happily married for 47 years before his passing on February 12, 1998. She worked as a test tube maker in the glass department at LECO for 25 years. Lillian was a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church, a wonderful chef loved to cook for the family and an avid gardener. However, most important to Lillian was her family. She was a kind person who always had a smile on her face, a kind word and a generous heart. Lillian will be missed dearly by all. Lillian is survived by her sons, David (Mary) Schmidke of St. Joseph and Craig Schmidke of Stevensville; grandchildren, Cory Schmidke, Joshua (Brianne) Schmidke, and Shannon (Scott) Wiederwax; and five great-grandchildren. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar & Martha; husband, Leonard; and six siblings.