Theodore J. "Buddy" Schmars, age 87, of Joliet, passed away peacefully, Sunday, May 27, 2012 at his residence.

Survived by his loving children, Julie (Mike) Pera and Ted Jr. (Erin) McBride-Schmars. Dear grandfather of Jessica (Jose) Gonzalez, Shallyn, Michael and Connal. Proud great grandfather of Gianna and Gabriel. Fond brother of JoAnne (the late Tony) Russ. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife Dolores (nee Chapla); parents, Francis and Josephine (nee Triwieler) Schmars; siblings, Dorothy, Evelyn, Francis Jr., Gordon and John Schmars.

A WWII US Army Veteran, 1st. Division Calvary, received several medals and citations including the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, the Phillipine Liberation Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star and an Army of Occupation Medal (Japan).

Theodore was a retired truck driver, having been employed by Flints Frozen Foods, now known as SYSCO and later Kennicott Brothers. A long time member of St. Mary Immaculate Church where he was a head usher and served as a Eucharisitic Minister. He was also a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Good Shepherd Council #5573. He was an avid Greenbay Packer fan.

Funeral services for Theodore J. Schmars will be held Friday, June 1, 2012, 9:45 a.m. from the funeral home to St. Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Plainfield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation Thursday 2-7 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet.

For information (815) 741-5500 www.fredcdames.com