"I did not know Irv had died. It is now July 7, 2018, Though I had not see Irv in many years, I always remember him as being such a fine young man. I remembr his working at a jewelry store in downtown Ft.Wayne. I would stop in to say hello when I was near the store. I too knew Shirlee from Religious School and college. So many years ago. My thoughts are with his entire family."
In loving memory of
Irvin M. Schecter
February 22, 2018
Irvin M. "Irv" Schecter, 93, died February 21, 2018, at the Illinois Veterans Home.
Irv was born October 15, 1924 in Bluffton, Indiana, to Samuel and Ethel Cohen Schecter. He married Shirlee Rose Feltman in Ft. Wayne, IN, on July 7, 1946. She survives.
Irv graduated from North Side High, Ft. Wayne, IN and attended Ohio State University and University of Alabama. He served in the US Army, 106th Infantry, World War II, and was captured in the Rhineland Ardennes Campaign, by the Germans in the initial days of the Battle of the Bulge. Irv was a P.O.W. for six months and a recipient of the Purple Heart, with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He wrote his memoir of the P.O.W experience.
Irv owned and operated Heintz, Harry and Hurley Shoes and The Village Shop in Uptown Quincy. He was a member of B'nai Shalom Temple, Shriners, Mart Heinen Club, Uptown Quincy and Westview Golf Course. He chaired United Way, Mart Heinen, Uptown Quincy, and served the QND Foundation and YMCA. In 1977, Irv received WGEM's Community Service Award. He received Quincy College's Honorary Doctorate, Commercial Science (1989). When he wasn't playing golf with the seniors, he loved helping the juniors.
Irv is survived by his wife, Shirlee; two daughters, Cathy (Dennis) Shortridge and Bobbe (Jeffry) White, all of Quincy; four grandchildren, Bill Shortridge (Steph Nieders), Maggie (Lance) Curry, Korey White, and Nick (Jenna)White; four great-grandchildren, Elijah, Isaac, Gabriel Curry and Zoey Shortridge, step-grandson, Charles (Michelle) Shortridge; and two step great-grandsons, Henry and Harris Shortridge and Oliver Veihl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Sidney Schecter; and a sister, Patricia Reesman.
There will be a private service held for the family.
Burial will be in the Valley of Peace Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Memorials may be made to the Temple B'Nai Shalom, Pin Oak Foundation at Gardner Camp, Shriners Children's Hospital and Alzheimer's Association (Central IL).
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Dear Schecter Family- Another great Gent from that special generation is so missed. Irv exemplified the best in life, love of family, friends, community & service. Bless you all."
"He gave me my first job-helped put my brother and I through QC. 8 years of a caring boss. Moved to STL 50+ years ago but still think of him. Always helping his fellow man."
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Irv. It is so hard to lose a husband, parent or friend. I shall always remember him as a force for Uptown Quincy. I had the privilege of working for and with Irv when employed by Uptown Quincy. You always knew where Irv stood on matters of importance that would benefit Uptown and also the city of Quincy. You can be proud of who he was."
"Sorry for your loss. We all enjoyed living across the street from the Schecters. Mr. Schecter was one in a million! Happy, upbeat, best salesman ever and sold the most amazing Capezio shoes!"
"Dear Shirlee, Cathy, Bobbe and families, Irv joins a group of Quincy industrial and commercial leaders who have recently passed away. We are fortunate that your family decided to make Quincy your home. Irv and you have made it a better city. We send our sincere condolences as we honor Irv?s service to our country, our community and his family. We were glad to know and respect him. Best wishes."
"Shirlee, Cathy, Bobbi, my deepest condolences. Irv was a true leader and inspiration to many in the Quincy area. My respect for him and the entire family has never left me. The fond memories of a truly Blessed man will never leave me."
"Simply, One of the best men I ever met. Praying for peace & strength to the Shector family in your time of sadness."
"Best neighbors ever on Lincoln Hill NW. Our sympathy and prayers to Shirlee, the girls and the whole family. God's blessings."
"Dear Shirlee, Cathy, Bobbe and families Quincy is very fortunate that the Schecters settled there for their business and Home. Irv was one of the several outstanding leaders to leave us recently. They will be missed. We send our sincere condolences as we honor Irv?s historic service record, his family and business career. Best wishes!"
"Aunt Shirlee, Cousin Bobbe and family, and Cousin Cathy and family: Our prayers, sympathy, and good thoughts of love, peace and healing are with you all these next couple of days, weeks, months, and years. The memories that we all hold in our minds, we will cherish forever. In Love Always: Dana Beth Blumenthal Knapp and Family"
"Loved Uncle Irv and his sense of humor. Loved all our road trips to Quincy from the lake...and the games we played on the way. Love to Aunt Shirlee Cathy and Bobbe and their families....alway with Peace and Love....xxoo"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. He was quite a man. Your mom and dad shared a wedding anniversary with my parents and often went out to celebrate. Among their love of golf. Judy"
"Love and Light to Aunt Shirlee, Bobbe, Cathy and all of your family. I remember most Uncle Irv?s humor. We were always greeted a laugh and a smile. Thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Janet Blumenthal"
"Fine man. Was always so personal. Always made me feel special. Bought a lot of shoes from this man. My thoughts and prayers are with the girls. Daddy?s are so hard to lose."
"Deep condolences to my Aunt Shirlee and cousins Bobbe and Cathy. Uncle Irv was a great inspiration to me. His humor, wit, generosity, compassion and kindness will always be a beacon for all . Much love to all Kerry"
"Irv was such a special man and I always enjoyed doing business with them. Rest in peace my friend. Bruce and Shirley Tode"
"Bobbi and Family I am So Sorry for your loss, sending sincere thoughts and prayers Friends Carol Rupert"
"To the Schecter family you have our Deepest Sympathy. Don was in the room at Markword for about 2 weeks. Our daughter was a cheerleader with Bobbe. You are in our prayers. God Bless, Don and Wanda O'Hara and family"
"To the family of one of my hero's, please know that my father worked for Irv at Hurley's and his name was always held in reverence at our home. Knowing him better at the Illinois Veteran's Home and after reading his book, my respect for him doubled. To his daughter, whom I have met, my deepest condolences. You know he was special to me. Retired U.S. Navy Chief"