In Memory Of
Roger R. Schmidt
1930
2021
Roger R. Schmidt
November 7, 1930 — October 28, 2021
Legendary High School cross country coach Roger Schmidt, crossed the finish line for the last time, stopwatch and clipboard in hand on October 28, 2021.
He was born in Forreston, IL on November 7, 1930 to Walter and Martha (Abels) Schmidt. He grew up on the family farm, attending a one room school as a young boy, and graduating from Forreston High School. He received his teaching degree from Northern Illinois University and his Masters in Education from Illinois State in Normal, IL.
Roger began his long teaching career at the age of 18-teaching at Prairie Dell-a one room school holding grades 1-8. After graduation from NIU, he taught at Leaf River High School from 1953-1961, with a pause to serve his country overseas in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He taught in Winnebago, IL from 1961-1986, both at Winnebago High School and Jean McNair Middle School. He coached cross country, track, and basketball, but cross country was his passion. He created the foundation of Winnebago's outstanding streak of cross country teams with his stable of state champion runners. Roger was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002. He was still coaching up until 2010-until he could no longer negotiate his walker up and down the rolling hills of cross country courses. Every year in late September, the Roger Schmidt Cross Country Invitational is held out at Fuller Forest Preserve in his honor.
Roger married Carolyn Wallin on June 7, 1958, and they enjoyed 42 years together, before Carolyn's passing on February 6, 2000. They loved to travel together and spend time with family-especially with their daughter Heidi.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Martha, two brothers-Warren (Margaret Wright, also deceased) and Willard, Carolyn, her brother Charles Wallin, and a special cousin Elton 'Doc' Miller.
He is survived by his daughter Heidi (Scott) Conklin, 3 grandsons Christopher, Alexander, and Bartholomew (Joelle White), and his sister-in-law Toni Wallin and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many dear friends, former students and athletes.
Roger's memorial service will be held on November 19th, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. (925 Fifth Ave., Rockford, IL., 61104). Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, he would rather any memorial funds be directed to the Winnebago High School Cross Country program.
He was born in Forreston, IL on November 7, 1930 to Walter and Martha (Abels) Schmidt. He grew up on the family farm, attending a one room school as a young boy, and graduating from Forreston High School. He received his teaching degree from Northern Illinois University and his Masters in Education from Illinois State in Normal, IL.
Roger began his long teaching career at the age of 18-teaching at Prairie Dell-a one room school holding grades 1-8. After graduation from NIU, he taught at Leaf River High School from 1953-1961, with a pause to serve his country overseas in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He taught in Winnebago, IL from 1961-1986, both at Winnebago High School and Jean McNair Middle School. He coached cross country, track, and basketball, but cross country was his passion. He created the foundation of Winnebago's outstanding streak of cross country teams with his stable of state champion runners. Roger was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002. He was still coaching up until 2010-until he could no longer negotiate his walker up and down the rolling hills of cross country courses. Every year in late September, the Roger Schmidt Cross Country Invitational is held out at Fuller Forest Preserve in his honor.
Roger married Carolyn Wallin on June 7, 1958, and they enjoyed 42 years together, before Carolyn's passing on February 6, 2000. They loved to travel together and spend time with family-especially with their daughter Heidi.
He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Martha, two brothers-Warren (Margaret Wright, also deceased) and Willard, Carolyn, her brother Charles Wallin, and a special cousin Elton 'Doc' Miller.
He is survived by his daughter Heidi (Scott) Conklin, 3 grandsons Christopher, Alexander, and Bartholomew (Joelle White), and his sister-in-law Toni Wallin and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many dear friends, former students and athletes.
Roger's memorial service will be held on November 19th, 2021, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford, IL. (925 Fifth Ave., Rockford, IL., 61104). Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, he would rather any memorial funds be directed to the Winnebago High School Cross Country program.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Roger R. Schmidt, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, November 19, 2021
10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)
Zion Lutheran Church
Service
Friday, November 19, 2021
Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)
Zion Lutheran Church
Guestbook
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