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Leo Henry Schinker Jr., born August 19,1941, passed away at his home on Sunday, October 15, 2023, surrounded by family members.
Leo retired in 1998 from a civilian career with the Air Force that began in 1966 at Wright Patterson Air-force Base in Dayton, Ohio and led him to Battle Creek’s Federal Center in 1976, where he became Chief of the Weapons, Machines, Equipment, and Instrument Directorate.
Born in Peoria, Illinois, Leo went on to win two Big Ten Conference Championships at the University of Illinois, as a pitcher for his beloved Fighting Illini. The 182 strike outs he tossed while on the mound for the Mayor Dexter squad in the Eastern Illinois Baseball League is a record that still stands some sixty years later.
Leo especially enjoyed retired life on the lake in Sherwood, passing time carving Santa Clauses, following his grandkids’ sports, and telling stories. Collecting antique fishing lures and planning his next Canadian fishing trip also kept him happily occupied. His love for family and his sense of humor will remain cherished.
Leo is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dolores (Lorrie) Schinker, brother, Donald (Pat) Schinker of Cantonment, Fl, children Christopher (Regina) Schinker of Mendon, Cathleen (Jay) Matthews of Virginia Beach, VA, and Joseph (Wanna) Schinker of Sasebo, Japan, and eight grandchildren Loryn (Ryan) Martini, Lucas Schinker, Lila Schinker, Leo T. Schinker, Maliwan Schinker, Mintaya Schinker, Nicholas Matthews and Sadie Matthews. He is also survived by several beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mona (Gehrig) Schinker and his father, Leo Schinker Sr.
A funeral mass will be held for Leo on Friday, October 20, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church at 11am with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Interment will take place immediately after in St. Edward Catholic Cemetery. It is suggested that donations in Leo’s name be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) and Alzheimer’s Association (act.alz.org). Condolences and memories may be expressed to the family at eickhofffuneralhome.com
