April 24, 1937 - Sept. 24, 2008SOUTH BEND - Charles Edward Schmok, 71, of South Bend, passed away at 12:12 p.m. of heart and kidney failure on Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at Memorial Hospital, South Bend. Mr. Schmok was born on April 24, 1937, in South Bend, to the late Edward and Dorothy (Suabedissen) Schmok. He remained a lifelong resident of South Bend. On September 15, 1962, in South Bend, he married the former Kay E. Peterson. Along with his wife of 46 years, Kay, survivors include four sons and their families, Steven and Suzette (Katona) Schmok of South Bend, Scott and Shari (Crain) Schmok of Dripping Springs, TX, and twin sons, Kevin and Amy (Nauman) Schmok of Katy, TX and Kenneth and Dorothy (Medich) Schmok of Fishers, IN; 12 grandchildren, Connor, Erica, Dorothy, Jacqueline, Logan, Dane, Jessica, Alexa, Brandon, Adam, Tiffany, and Anthony; one sister, Nancy Schmok of Mishawaka; and one brother, Robert Schmok of South Bend. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Cletys Peterson of South Bend. Mr. Schmok was preceded in death by his grandson, Zachary S. Schmok, on August 24, 2008; one brother, James Schmok; and his father-in-law, James Peterson, Sr. Mr. Schmok worked for many years in food sales with Redi-Froz, Gordon Food Service, and Sysco. He retired from custodial work at Washington High School. Mr. Schmok was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend. Charles was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed attending and watching all types of sporting events especially Notre Dame Football, Chicago Cubs/White Sox and Bears Games. He received the most enjoyment, however, watching his sons during their athletic careers. He could remember play by play action from a game 30 years ago and recite it as if it happened yesterday. In his healthier days, Charles loved to travel with Kay. Kay and Charles made frequent trips to Indianapolis and Texas to visit their grandchildren. He was fascinated with all types of trains and even designed/built a scaled down model railroad in his basement. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 29, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. David Schrader, pastor of Grace United Methodist Church, will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be offered to the Schmok family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.