George Schimkus, Jr., 84, of Collinsville, Illinois passed away Tuesday, March 8th, 2016 in Wood River, Illinois.

He was born Friday, November 6th, 1931 in Collinsville, Illinois to George and Beatrice (Geschwendt) Schimkus, Sr. He married Anna Lou Reynolds in Alton, Illinois in 1972.

George is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two step daughters, Ruth Ann Albers and Carol Lee Magnum and one sister, Carolyn (Gene) Ketterer.

He is survived by step children; David L. Albers of Henderson, Nevada, Louetta R. Massey of Collinsville, Illinois, one nephew, numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

George served his country valiantly in the Army during the Korean Conflict. He later worked for the Collinsville Fire Department as a Captain. George was a member of the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department, Madison County Fireman''s Association and the International Paid Fire Department.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 12:00pm on Thursday, March 17th, 2016 at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Illinois with funeral at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville, Ill.

Memorials may be made to Jerusalem Lutheran Church, Collinsville, Illinois.