Harold Schmarje

Harold Frederick Schmarje, 90, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at home, surrounded by family.

He was born Dec. 19, 1932, in Chicago to Frederick John Schmarje and Catherine Elizabeth Kremsreiter. Harold married Patty J. Jackson on Aug. 6, 1983, and she survives.

Other survivors include two sisters, Dolores (Dolly) Forch of Arlington Heights, Illinois, and Marilyn Maher of Grayslake, Illinois; sister-in-law, Polly Schmarje of Grayslake; children, William (Kay) Schmarje, Sue Schmarje Matthews and Regina Schmarje, all of Elizabeth Town, Illinois, Marsha Martin of Desloge, Missouri, Dallas (Tanya) Jackson Jr. of Urbana, Illinois, Steven Jackson of Wildwood, Florida, and Pamela Jackson of Lee's Summit, Missouri; grandchildren, B.J. (Leslie) Schmarje, Liza (Randy) Hise, Sara (Kyle) Barronpohl, Lacy Matthews, Josie Price, Levi Henry, Tracey Miller, Cindy (Kevin) Calvin, Shannon (Robert) Strauser, Tonya Sheets, Jacent Jackson, Ryan (Sarah) Jackson, Adam (Alyssa) Jackson, Wesley (Derek) Butler-Jackson and Melanie Jackson; 22 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert "Bob" Schmarje; son-in-law, Loy Price; uncle, Otto Kremsreiter; daughter, Carolyn Miller; and granddaughters, Raelen Miller and Kimberly Allen.

Harold was born and reared in Chicago. He graduated from St. Priscilla Catholic School and Lane Tech.

He served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic. He possessed a variety of skills and used them in various areas of employment. He retired as plant superintendent of the Tammsco Silica plant in Tamms, Illinois.

He enjoyed bow hunting with his brother, Bob; reading Popular Mechanics magazines; working with wood and repairing things. He was a prolific reader.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of choice.

Cremation rites have been arranged at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.