Search by Name
Search by Name
1925
2017
Edward H. Schmitt 91 died at his home in Aurora, Illinois on Friday July 7, 2017. Ed was born on August 26, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Anne Kemp Schmitt and Henry P. Schmitt. Ed graduated from Hyde Park High School in in 1943. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the Army and would enter the United States Army Fifth Division. He saw active combat service in World War II from landing on Omaha beach until the end of the war. Under General George S. Patton the 5th division fought in Normandy, Northern France, the Battle of Metz, and the Battle of the Bulge. They were the first of the Allied troops to cross the Rhine Rhine on March 7, 1945. In May 1945 the Fifth Division entered Czechoslovakia and liberated Mauthausen Gusen concentration camp. In the service for his country Ed was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Heart Medal and the Medal of Metz. After returning from the war Ed moved to Aurora, Illinois and would manage, Sugar Grove Farm. For the next five years, while farming he attended and graduated from DePaul University in 1952. On August 23, 1952 Ed married Marie Clare Collins of Aurora and celebrated their 64thlast August. Together they would raise their family of two sons and remain in Aurora. In 1964 he started his career with the McDonald's Corporation as executive manager trainee. In 1968 Ed became a Vice President of the Chicago Region. The same year he awarded the first African American franchisee to Herman Petty in Chicago. Ed moved the regional office from Chicago to Oak Brook and the headquarters would follow a few years later. In 1977 he would become President of President of McDonald's Corporation. Ed is credited with the development and national launch of McDonald's breakfast menu. Ed also expanded drive thru service from one restaurant in Texas to across the nation. He also awarded the first Hispanic owner of McDonald's system in Nogales, Arizona and promoted Sandy Brooks, first woman Vice President outside of Ray Kroc's secretary. Ed help to build the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia and make it McDonald's national charity. In 1982 Ed was elected to the position of Vice Chairman of McDonald's Corporation. In that role Ed would travel organizing the structure for company's expansion around the globe. In April of 1986 Ed resigned from McDonald's Corporation to become a franchisee with his sons Ed Jr., and Richard in Aurora. He would remain involved into his 80's working behind the counter waiting on customers. Ed was active member of the Aurora for over 70 years. He served on the boards of the Old Second National Bank of Aurora, Aurora Civic Authority, Paramount Arts Center, Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Provena Medical Center (now Presence), and Chair of the Board of Trustees of Benedictine University in Lisle. He was instrumental in the relocation and building of Aurora Central Catholic High School. He was a member of Holy Angels Parish for 71 years Ed is survived by his wife of 64 year Marie Clare; children Ed Jr., (Mary), of Sugar Grove, Richard (Corinne) of Glen Ellyn; Grandchildren Edward III of Chicago, Sarah Schmitt Fry (Jay) of Oakland California, Evan and Alec Schmitt of Glen Ellyn; one great grandson Hunter Fruy of Oakland; and many nieces and nephews. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Robert. The Wake will be held on Wednesday, July 19th from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Funeral services will be on Thursday July 20, 2017 10:00am at Holy Angels Roman Catholic Church 180 S. Russell Ave. Aurora, IL. 60506. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Aurora. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Ed's name to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
He was one of my favorite bosses at McDonalds. We send our blessings to Marie Claire and family.
Payson Harrington
July 20, 2017
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Yolanda Travis
July 19, 2017
Ed's genuine kindness and care for all people set him apart from so many leaders. Family and community truly mattered to him. McDonald's was fortunate to have him serve under the arches.
Ken Johanson
July 19, 2017
Our most sincere condolences to Ed's Family and countless loved ones and friends. Ed has the highest esteem of our entire community as a wonderful friend and colleague. His entire life is one of fidelity, courage, charity, virtue and accomplishment. John and Renee Duggan
John and Renee Duggan
July 19, 2017
I was your Advertising Manager when you were McDonald's Midwest Regional Manager, Ed. Later I was VP of Intnl. Mktng. when you were Vice Chairman of McD Corp. -- Wow, what a lot you accomplished for McD during those many years. It was a pleasure to work for you Ed Schmitt. May God bless your soul, and may He bless the wonderful family you have so well provided for.
Tom Gruber
July 18, 2017
maybe one day ed will see you working the bin in the golden arches in the sky rip my friend
sandy benedict
July 18, 2017
I was so sorry to read of the loss of Mr. Schmitt. He was a very humble and kind man. You were incredible neighbors and genuine friends to our family. I have wonderful memories of watching your family blossom which will be always cherished. Blessings to all of you.
Maria Herkes Sestito
July 18, 2017
rest in piece ed sr in the golden arches in the sky you were the perfect example of professionalism
sandy benedict
July 18, 2017
The epitome of McDonalds soul and ethics when he was in charge.
Bill Churchfield
July 17, 2017
He was absolutely a great boss and an even greater human being.
Our thoughts and prayers go to Marie Claire, Ed Jr , Richard and family.
Craig Cummings
July 17, 2017
Tom Stolz
July 17, 2017
ann thompson
July 17, 2017
Ed / Richard
Thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family at this time.
Ed, I so often proudly share with others our attending HU together and your father speaking at our Graduation Dinner.
I was fortunate to have met him.
Our McFamily is so appreciative for the deep personal positive imprint your father left on our Brand.
Eric Walker
July 17, 2017
Ed was a great human being! a tresure to have as an employer! he always was there for his employees he will be missed! my deepest sympathies go out to the family at this sad time sandy benedict
July 17, 2017
I worked for Ed for 22 years, he was a great man, I always looked forward to seeing him on a daily basis, he would come and work everyday for a couple of hours,he never had any problems of telling you what he thought(he was a straight shooter) He will be missed, Thanks Ed Sr for always being there for your employees. To Marie Claire, Ed, Richard and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Sue Leddy and Family
Sue Leddy
July 17, 2017
Of all the senior executive management at McDonald's HQ, Ed was the greatest gentleman: wise, thoughtful, with a wide winning smile. He was a pleasure to work with. He became a model franchisee and set a fine example for his family in the business of serving customers.
Chuck Ebeling
July 17, 2017
I had the privilege of serving on the ACCA board with Ed. His thorough thoughtfulness and expertise brought a great deal to the board, as Aurora was facing many downtown issues. Serving together on a board to greeting in the grocery store . . Ed and Marie . . very special people.
Lauralyn Theodore
July 17, 2017
I loved when Ed would come and work behind the counter for me when I managed the store on Galena. Always had a kind word to say. My condolences to the family.
Joy Hampton
July 16, 2017
Ed was a wonderful human being, he always put the other person ahead of himself. I remember a time when he was invited to the White house for an important event, but Ed had to say no because he had committed to attending a McDonald's store opening on the same date.
At family events he was the most-down-to earth person at these gatherings.
My best to Marie Clair and the Schmidt family.
Dean Hamingson
-------------
Dean Hamingson
July 16, 2017
To the wonderful Schmitt family we pray for you all may God grant eternal peace to Ed and end his suffering and welcome him into Heaven bob and sophia barnes,ann and bridget barnes, Joann and jim Johnson, Ellen and jim Mcgough
Robert Barnes
July 16, 2017
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
Funeral services provided by:
The Healy Chapel - Sugar Grove370 Division Square, Sugar Grove, IL 60554
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more