Edward Schmidlein

Edward J. Schmidlein, 88, died Friday, July 23, 2004, at The Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

Dr. Schmidlein was born Oct. 11, 1915, in New York City, son of Edward J. and Frieda Schmidlein. He was married to the former Lydia (Lee) Gunzer for 58 years. She preceded him in 1998.

Dr. Schmidlein received his BA degree from Fordham University College in the Bronx, New York, and his MA and Ph.D degrees in accounting from New York University. He served in the U.S. Navy from July 1942 to August 1946, receiving an honorable discharge as a lieutenant commander.

Professor Schmidlein taught accounting as a member of the faculties of Canisius College and the University of St. Louis. He joined the faculty of the College of Business and Administration, Department of Accounting, of Southern Illinois University in 1959, which grew into a distinguished 19-year career. He retired in 1978. During that time he provided leadership, inspiration and guidance to almost 2,000 students. On dealing with students and his teaching methods, Professor Schmidlein once said, "It is not hard to be fair with the student. I try to spell out the requirements of the course and help them as much as possible, I work hard and I expect them to work hard." His efforts were rewarded in 1975 as the recipient of the SRI Alumni Association Great Teacher Award. After his retirement, the Schmidlein Teaching Excellence Endowment was established as a tribute to Professor Schmidlein. The goal of the endowment is to enhance the professional careers of students and to prepare them to outperform others in the workplace upon graduation. After retirement from Southern Illinois University, he taught at the University in Hong Kong.

Survivors include a brother, Arthur; a sister, Frances; 17 nieces and nephews and 34 great-nieces and nephews and a great-great-niece, Sage.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret, and a brother, Robert.

There will be no visitation. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church at a later date.

He will be interred with his wife in the cemetery of Saints Peter and Paul, New Braunfels, Texas.

Donations may be made to The Schmidlein Teaching Excellence Endowment.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.