Stephen J. Schranz

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Stephen James Schranz, 81, of Swansea, IL, born July 13, 1939, in East St. Louis, IL, died January 19, 2021, at home with his family present.

Steve, along with his father and brother, ran the family business, Steve Schranz Trucking, Inc. He worked there for 57 years with his wife Jeanette.

Steve served in the Air Force Reserves, was a member of the Teamsters Local 50 and was a long-time member of Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL.

He was active in many Cathedral parish activities, including serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister at Sunday masses. He was devoted to Catholic evangelization programs including Catholics Returning Home, Pre-Cana marriage preparation classes and Baptism preparation classes. He was a regular adorer of the Blessed Sacrament at the Adoration Chapel, St. Teresa’s Catholic Church. Steve completed a Cursillo in Christianity and was active and served as a team leader twice and on many teams for Cursillo. He was a regular volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and the Saturday Morning Breakfast at Cathedral. He was a 1st degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Steve was a frequent blood donor and donated 10 gallons of blood through the American Red Cross.

Steve’s hobbies included boating, fishing, traveling, tending his vegetable garden and blackberry bushes, and tinkering around in his garage. He enjoyed attending class reunions with his classmates at Tim & Joes. He was most at home spending time with his wife, Jeanette.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen A. and Mildred A., nee Weissert, Schranz; a sister-in-law, Linda Schranz; and a brother-in-law, Tom Carley.

Surviving are his loving wife of 56 years, Jeanette, nee Baclet, whom he married April 4, 1964;
three children, Stephanie (Eric) Johnson of Laguna Niguel, CA, Melanie (Tom) Gniewek of O’Fallon, IL, and Stephen James “Jim” Schranz II (Milee) of Richmond Heights, MO; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Anne Johnson, Whitney Brix Schranz, and Cashen Brix Schranz;
a brother, John “Jack” Schranz and his companion, Gayle Archbold, of Memphis, TN;
a sister, Marilyn Carley of Swansea, IL;
cousins;
and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Cathedral of St. Peter or to St. Vincent de Paul Food Panty at Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 23, 2021, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.  Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and a limited number of visitors at any one time will be observed.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. John Myler officiating. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and a capacity of 30 attendees will be implemented at the church.

Burial will be at 12 noon Saturday, January 23, 2021, at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences:

20 Comments on Stephen J. Schranz

Mark and Deb Funfsinn said : Guest Report Jan 26, 2021 at 9:50 AM

Dear Jeanette and family, we send our sympathy and prayers for you and Steve. He was a great man who offered much inspiration and joy at our Cursillo weekends. Everyone he met was welcomed as a friend and he became a spiritual mentor and example for many. His reward is great in heaven! Rest in peace Steve.

  • Rockford
  • IL
Carol Kniepkamp said : Guest Report Jan 25, 2021 at 4:03 PM

Jeannette & Family: I am so sorry to learn of Steve's passing. He was always a happy, smiling gentleman who would go out of his way to be friendly to all. God bless you and may he rest in peace.

  • North Richland Hills
  • Texas
Robert emge said : Guest Report Jan 24, 2021 at 7:34 PM

Most explicit sympathy for Jeanette and family. Shared many cursillo times and memories with Steve Bob & Katie

  • New Athens
  • IL
Carolyn Kraft said : Guest Report Jan 24, 2021 at 7:31 PM

So sorry to hear of Steve’s passing Yet his life is one to be celebrated so full of loving, giving and caring. We first met through Marriage Encounter and the Cursille home meetings and of course Jeanette and Steve are Jennifer’s godparents. What a history we have.! Jeanette, my family’s love and prayers are with you and the family.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
God daughter. Jennifer kraft said : Guest Report Jan 24, 2021 at 7:03 PM

I was very sad to hear about Steve’s passing- what a great guy and an amazing and blessed full life he has lived. He will be missed by many because with him he always carried an aura of calm expressed through his loving nature.

  • Chicago
  • IL
Chip and Kathy Gray said : Guest Report Jan 24, 2021 at 3:53 PM

We will miss our good neighbor Steve. God bless you Jeanette and your family.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Paula Sobol said : Guest Report Jan 23, 2021 at 1:56 PM

My deepest sympathies to all. I know he will be greatly missed by many. May he rest in peace with God and all the saints in heaven.

  • Belleville
  • IL
DAVID HUBERT said : Guest Report Jan 22, 2021 at 11:25 PM

I knew Steve growing up across the street from his family on Caseyville Avenue. I lost track of him over the years but have great memories of his kind nature. Rest in Peace, Steve (Stubby).

  • Thompsons Station
  • TN
Barbara Duncan said : Guest Report Jan 22, 2021 at 11:48 AM

Praying for the family of Steve Schranz, especially for my dear friend Marilyn Carley Steve's sister and for Tim and Tom who lost a dear uncle and friend

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Diane and Bob Lanter said : Guest Report Jan 22, 2021 at 9:10 AM

May Steve rest in God’s eternal peace! He was a happy holy man of peace, love and joy, spreading and sharing them with all.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Joe & Kathleen Davis said : Guest Report Jan 22, 2021 at 8:28 AM

Sorry to learn of Steve's passing. Keeping all of you in our prayers. Know that God is with you during this time.

  • Linwood
  • Kansas
Duane. McClanahan said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2021 at 3:53 PM

Steve , you will be greatly missed,especially by all the people you have helped through the years. Duane

  • Dupo
  • Il
Carolyn & Ralph Wottowa said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2021 at 11:37 AM

Jeanette, Marilyn, Jack & families You are all in our prayers. Stub always seemed to have a smile on his face, and something to make you smile also. I was glad that we got to see him at Esther's funeral. May special memories give you comfort in the days ahead.

  • OFallon
  • IL
Karen Fieker said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2021 at 8:41 AM

When I worked at the rectory, Stephen on Tuesdays would bring the tally slip for the food pantry over to the rectory. He was such a nice and friendly man. I looked forward to his Tuesdays visits.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Jackie LuggeLauf said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2021 at 7:57 AM

Keeping you in my prayers . May God send comfort to the family. I was Stephanie ‘s Sunday school teacher at Cathedral many years ago . God bless.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Mike Conrad said : Guest Report Jan 21, 2021 at 7:39 AM

My sympathy to Jeanette and her children and Marilyn Carley. Mike Conrad ‘56

  • Columbia
  • IL 62236
Bill Christine said : Guest Report Jan 20, 2021 at 10:17 PM

Steve was a great guy in high school and obviously he stayed that way all his life. 10 gallons of blood. That's about 140 visits. We'll remember you always, Steve.

  • Torrance
  • California
Dan Voegele said : Guest Report Jan 20, 2021 at 7:54 PM

Steve was a good man, a very likable person with a great sense of humor. My sympathy to the Schranz family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Kathy and Bob Roylance said : Guest Report Jan 20, 2021 at 4:33 PM

Steve will be greatly missed. He had a great sense of humor. His love for Christ was always evident along with his sense of justice. Heaven is rejoicing with Steve’s presence. We are blessed to have been his friends. God bless all the family in their grief . Love and prayers!

  • Swansea
  • IL
Tom Ford said : Guest Report Jan 20, 2021 at 1:56 PM

My deepest sympathy, some of my "closest moments" were spent with Steve on the "weekends". A big 'hug' is coming your way, Jeanette. May he rest in peace.

  • Mt Carmel
  • IL

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