Eleanor Ann Schmednecht

Celebrating the lives of Eleanor Ann Schmednecht and Fred Charles Schmednecht Jr.

Eleanor Botnovcan Schmednecht, 83, and Fred Schmednecht, 82, happily married for fifty-five years, passed away February 17, 2019 and March 18, 2019 respectively - separated by death for only one month.

They were beloved parents and dear grandparents. They lived near their three grandchildren in Denver, Colorado at the time of their passing; however, spent most of their married lives in Northwest Indiana.

When Fred first laid eyes on Eleanor he said, ""That woman will be my wife."" It was love at first sight. They wed at St. Anastasia Parish in Waukegan, Illinois and spent their honeymoon in Acapulco, Mexico. They renewed their wedding vows on their fiftieth wedding anniversary in the same church.

Eleanor attended both Northwestern and Bowling Green Universities and earned a degree in elementary education. She was a wonderful stay-at-home mom who took great care of her family and loved to entertain and read. She loved antiques and enjoyed being a part of her Quester Group in Indiana. She enjoyed shopping and cherished time with her friends and family. She was naturally creative, she loved decorating and would always go the extra mile to make you feel special. She adored her late Yorkshire Terrier, Tidbit and loved to make her grandchildren smile with a unique gift or a special two-dollar bill! She was truly one of a kind and always wanted to see other people happy!

Fred earned a degree in civil engineering from Purdue University and owned and operated his own civil engineering company. Fred was hard working, intelligent and loved life. His nickname was ""Sonny"" growing up because he always stayed positive. He obtained patents in the U.S. and Canada for the vibrated beam invention, used to construct the Slurry Wall which helped protect the environment. He loved his work and was always modifying gadgets into his own creations. He was a nature lover, always looking outside to discover a new bird, watch the deer or simply spend time with his late German Shephard, Quando. He was thrilled to watch his grandchildren play sports and always shared coaching tips from his days as a college athlete. You couldn't be around Fred without laughing - His sense of humor was infectious.

Eleanor and Fred are preceded in death by their son Eric Schmednecht and his wife Michelle Brown Schmednecht of Valparaiso, Indiana. They are survived by their daughters Dana Schmednecht Wesolek of Chesterton, Indiana and Gail Schmednecht Fiedler and her husband Ken Fiedler of Denver, Colorado, and their three amazing grandchildren, Brooke (13), Eric (11) and John (8). Fred is also survived by his sister Elaine Kane of Joliet, Illinois.

Eleanor and Fred will be deeply missed and will be forever loved. We know they could not live apart and are enjoying being together again laughing and dancing in heaven.

Donations may be sent to St. Jude or Shriner's Hospital for Children on their behalf-or-simply do something nice for someone else to bring joy to their day in honor of them.

Eleanor and Fred had a special smile and a laugh -that we hope- you will never forget!