Skip Schade

Skip Schade, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Bickford Assisted Living, Moline.

Private family services will be held at Trimble Funeral Home, Moline. Burial will be in Greenview Gardens, East Moline. Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Skip was born in Los Angeles, California as Clifford A. Young, the son of Raymond and Della (Bottomly) Young. The death of his mother resulted in him being adopted at the age of 4 by his Great Aunt and her husband, Gertrude and Herbert L. Schade. He was sent by bus, in the care of the drivers, from California to Rock Island, IL where his name was changed to Herbert D. Schade. He attended Rock Island Schools and Black Hawk College. In 1947 Skip married Lorna I. Fryxell. They had two children, Bonnie L. and Michael C.

Skip was employed by John Deere in many locations and positions. For his final position, he was sent to Milan to start the new Parts Depot. He retired from the PDW as Supervisor of Inspection in November of 1984.

Skip loved bowling, golfing, fishing, growing tomatoes, and most of all ice cream. His greatest joys in life were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being with Grandpa was a true adventure. His grandchildren were variously treated to a week long white water rafting trip in Utah, trips to Disney, flying in a glider, shopping trips and fishing in Canada. Even standing in line was fun because of the games he invented.

Skip helped make many happy memories for so many people. He hosted fishing tournaments, golf longest drive contests, and card games at his house on the Rock River for both friends and family. His fun outgoing personality, positive outlook, and contagious squinty smile resulted in people of all ages loving his presence. He became known as “Grandpa Skip” to many.

As the end of his life neared, he added to his family at Bickford Assisted Living. We would like to thank this family for the wonderful, compassionate care he received from everyone there. He said he was treated like a king. Their kindnesses were never ending and we are truly grateful for every member of this family.

Skip was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna, his son Michael, his parents, and brother, Clifford Schade.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and George Pokrajac of Coal Valley, Illinois; four grandchildren and spouses, Joe and Amber Pokrajac, Sarah and Jason Fox, Katie and Drew Dennis, and Kelly Pokrajac; three great-grandchildren, Gracie and Hunter Pokrajac and Connor Fox. We were so blessed to have him.