MSgt. William D. Schlegel, USAF Retired, age 88 of Highland, IL, died Monday, September 13, 2021, at Saint Louis University Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.
He was born on Tuesday, October 18, 1932, in Wilmington, DE, the son of George and Gladys (nee Cooper) Schlegel.
On Saturday, November 05, 1960, he married Darlene F. Schlegel, nee Provow, at Washington Park, IL, who passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2014.
He was a member of Highland Hope United Methodist Church; National Rifle Association; Lee Iten Post #439, American Legion, Highland, IL.
Bill was born in Wilmington, DE, and grew up in Dumfries, VA. After graduating high school, he entered the U.S. Air Force serving 20 years with duty in Thailand, Greenland, and North Africa. He lived in Cahokia, IL from 1966 to 2003, when he moved to Highland, IL. He worked at Cerro Copper in Sauget, IL for 20 years until he retired at the age of 65. Bill volunteered at HIS KIDS helping at the office as well as the Christmas Parties. He also volunteered for several years at Highland Primary, working in the library and helping with bus duty. His favorite hobby was to take care of his lawn and also some of the neighbors’ as well (whether they wanted it or not). He enjoyed watching MMA and the History channel. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing and camping at Rend Lake, playing cards, barbecuing with neighbors, and target practice at local shooting ranges. He loved vacationing and traveling with family and friends, especially going home to Virginia.
Survivors include: Daughter – Lisa K. (Steven M.) Lange, Highland, IL; Son – William D. (Donna M.) Schlegel Jr., Belleville, IL; Daughter – Jill E. (Gary A.) Kharibian, Highland, IL; Son – Gregory S. Schlegel, Highland, IL; Grandchild – TSgt Jessica M. (Significant Other-Michael Brown) Powell, USAF, San Antonio, TX; Grandchild – Tyler S. (Significant Other-Chaunti Houston) Schlegel, Belleville, IL; Grandchild – Travis D. Schlegel, Belleville, IL; Grandchild – Christy L. (Charlie) Durbin, Highland, IL; Grandchild – Dana M. Kharibian, Columbia, IL; Grandchild – Eric A. Kharibian, Waterloo, IL; Grandchild – Gary A. (Kelsie) Kharibian Jr., Albers, IL; Grandchild – Logan M. Kharibian, Highland, IL; Grandchild – Gregory S. Schlegel Jr., Highland, IL; Great Grandchildren – 19; Brothers – 3; Sisters – 3.
He was preceded in death by: Father – George I. Schlegel; Mother – Gladys E. Schlegel; Wife – Darlene F. Schlegel; Son – Steven Benton Schlegel; Grandchild – Justin Lange; Grandchild – Trenton W. Schlegel; Great Grandchild – Gary A. “Tripp” Kharibian III; Brothers – 2; Sister – 1.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 19, 2021, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tripp’s Tribe or HIS KIDS.
