Merwin Scheider passed away at his home in Crystal Lake, Illinois on March 7, 2023 at the age of 94. Merwin was born in Freeport, Illinois on May 5th 1928 to Clinton and Lorene Scheider. He was one of three children who grew up in Orangeville, Illinois on the family farm. He attended Orangeville High School as a member of the Class of 1946 and was Valedictorian of his Class.

He went on to college at Bradley University from 1946 thru 1947 and then attended Iowa State University. There he earned a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. He then obtained an MBA in Marketing from Indiana University in 1956.

He had a short military service during the Korean War. He was stationed from 1950 thru 1952 at the Redstone Rocket Arsenal in Alabama as an engineer.

He married Clara Scaros of Freeport, Illinois in 1955 and is survived by her. They had been married for 67 years and had three children: Mark Scheider who preceded his father in death, David (Caren) Scheider of Parker, Colorado, Diane (Gary) Peterson of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois.

Merwin and Clara have four grandchildren, Ryan and Jenna Scheider (Denver), and Jessica Peterson (Chicago) and Matthew Peterson (Ole Miss). They raised their children in Rockford and Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Merwin started his career as a mechanical engineer from 1952-1954 with the Microswitch Company in Wisconsin. He then worked as a Sales Manager with the Oil Rite Corporation from 1956-1959. Merv then join the Barber Colman Company in Rockford, Illinois as a Mechanical Engineer/Sales Manager from 1960 till this retirement in on May 1, 1993. He was the Factory Manager of Barber Colman's Crystal Lake factory from 1986 till his retirement in 1993. He received numerous honors in his career, including Barber Colman's President Award in 1985 and a US Patent in 1995.

Merv enjoyed traveling here and abroad with his friends and family. He especially enjoyed the beaches of Siesta Key, Florida. The times on that beach were the memories he wanted his children and grandchildren to remember him by. He also enjoyed fishing in Canada and had a passion for golf. He enjoyed telling stories of his life with his good neighbors and friends, who recall him fondly always working in his yard throughout his retirement. He was a passionate Cubs fan, who happily watch them finally win the World Series in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son (Mark), brother (Delbert) and sister (Shirley Jean Fitzpatrick).

A memorial service will be held at Oakland Cemetery for family and friends on March 25th, 2023 at 12pm. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.