Edward F. Smitchger

Edward “Eddie” F. Smitchger, 85, of New Buffalo, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on November 2, 2013, at his home. He was born October 20, 1928 in Steger, IL, to Edward and Mary Smitchger. He attended Morgan Park High School, and like so many of his generation, served his country during WWII. Mr. Smitchger enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS AJAX in the Pacific theater. He was assigned to Project Crossroads, and witnessed the hydrogen bomb tests in the Marshall Islands. A faithful Chicago Bears and White sox fan, Mr. Smitchger himself was an athlete, playing semi-pro football in the Chicago Park District League from 1948-1950; and racing quarter- and full-sized midgets and stock cars, driving in the AAA and USAC Midwest racing circuits from 1949 to 1952. He became an experienced private pilot, and at various points, a wrestler, boxer, hunter, fisherman, and expert marksman. Most recently, he continued to bowl and golf with friends, and might arrive for those outings on his vehicle of choice, a 1995 Honda Goldwing Trike. Upon his discharge in 1947, Mr. Smitchger opened a photography studio in Midlothian, IL. He was a railroad engineer with the C&O and South Shore Railway for 25 years, and worked in law enforcement as a detective with the Interstate Bureau of Investigation, Chicago, and as a deputy sheriff with Berrien County, where he was also captain of the Pistol Team and a rescue diver. He ran as a Democrat for Berrien County Sheriff in 1968. He was most recently employed at Four Winds Casino Resort, New Buffalo as a shuttle bus driver, and was a member of VFW Post 2580, Midlothian, IL, and American Legion Post 169, New Buffalo, MI. Somehow he also had time to hone his skills as an electrician, machinist, welder, carpenter and boatwright. Eddie married his high school sweetheart, Mary Wagner on August 12, 1948 in Midlothian, IL. She preceded him in death, as did his parents Edward and Mary Smitchger. He is survived by his sisters Jeannett Varallo and Thelma Herrold , both of Mountain Home, Arkansas; son James (Joanne) Smitchger of Vicksburg, Michigan; daughters Pam (Gary) Franco of Pleasantville, New York, and Diane Smitchger, Long Beach, Indiana; grandchildren Minas Smitchger, Ryan Smitchger, Christopher Smitchger, and Kimberly Franco; and his beloved companion for 11 years, his Tibetan Spaniel “Buddy.” The family will receive friends on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4-7 pm followed by a short celebration of life at 7 pm at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Cremation has already taken place, and there will be a private burial at a later date. Remembrances can be made to St. Marys of the Lake School, New Buffalo, MI, or VFW Post 2580 Midlothian, IL. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com.