Darwin E. Schaack

Darwin E. Schaack, 92, of Waterloo, IL, died February 18, 2023, in Waterloo, IL. He was born July 25, 1930, in Steeleville, IL. He married Geneva Schaack on October 20, 1951 until she passed away in 2018, after being married for over 66 years.

    He is survived by his children Debra Keim, and Patricia (Gerald) Weilbacher; grandchildren Wayne (Gretchen) Menke, Shawn (Christy) Keim, Terri (Dan) Krebel, Shawn (Angie) Menke, Rachel (Shelby Jr.) Mathes, Bethany (Rodney) Cissell, Brandon (Jessica) Keim, Brianna Weilbacher, & Courtney Weilbacher; great grandchildren Trent & Hannah Menke, Cole (Holland Wallace) Keim, Daniel, Ally & Lucas Krebel, Jake (Hailey) Thrasher, Haley Thrasher, Owen & Abby Menke, Kaitlyn and Ryan Mathes, Sierra & Savanna Cissell, Dylan, Nicholas & Landon Keim; two great-great grandchildren, Ryker & Baker Keim.; sister Carol (Jim) Mueller; sister-in-law Florence Lenhardt; nieces; nephews; and cousins.

            He lived a long life full of love and treasured friendships. He worked odd jobs as a kid before he started driving for H.B. Russell at the age of 16. He was in the United States Army from 1951-1960. He retired from driving decades later where he began driving a school bus for the Red Bud, IL school district. He enjoyed camping with his wife and family for many years. Darwin was a friend to everyone, a Grandpa to many. He easily won over the hearts of all he met. He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, sitting outside and mowing his grass on his riding lawn mower. He and Geneva loved watching their granddaughters play softball, spending many days at the ball field. He enjoyed when his granddaughter would pick him up and take him to lunch at Panera and ride along on shopping trips. He spent his last 24 years on Rachael Lane, most enjoying the friendships he made with his beloved neighbors. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored their Papa Schaack and they always put a smile on his face. One of his favorite vices was having a couple of beers, especially with his buddies. Darwin was a kind, loving and the most-friendliest man.

    He is preceded in death by his wife Geneva Schaack (nee Lenhardt); son Rickey (Linda) Schaack; 3 infant sons; granddaughter Brittany Schaack; son-in-law Mark Keim; and parents Elmer and Frieda (nee Degener) Schaack.

    Darwin was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, formerly employed at HB Russell Trucking, a member of Waterloo VFW Post 6504, and formerly Red Bud VFW Post 6632.

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
St. Paul United Church of Christ - Waterloo, IL

Visitation:
    4 PM to 8 PM Friday, February 24, 2023 at Quernheim Funeral Home
    9 AM until time of service Saturday at St. Paul United Church of Christ

Funeral:
    10 AM Saturday, February 25, 2023 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Waterloo, IL
        Rev. Jeff McCarn officiating
    Interment at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo, IL