Harold G. Schmerse, 100, Durand, Illinois, died at 12:05 a.m., Thursday, November 24, 2011 in Medina Manor Nursing Center, Durand.

Born April 1, 1911 in Orangeville, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave and Mary (Wolfe) Schmerse. Married the former Pauline Peck in Orangeville, Illinois on February 28, 1934. He owned and operated a blacksmith shop in Dakota before purchasing a farm in Durand in 1943. Then Harold and Pauline farmed until 1982, when he opened Schmerse Lawn and Garden in Durand. He was active in the Durand community, serving his church and various boards including a term on the Durand Village Board. Harold enjoyed his more than three year residence at Medina Manor and the family extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff for the tender and loving care given to Harold.

Survivors include daughter Nancy Giese; son Jim (Betty) Schmerse and daughter Susan (Russ) Sarver, all of Durand, Illinois; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, seven brothers and sisters and son-in-law Ron Giese.

Funeral Ceremonies will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in Durand United Methodist Church, 102 East Main, Durand, Illinois with Pastor Brian Channel officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Cemetery, Freeport, Illinois. Visitation will be held at Durand United Methodist Church from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, November 28. McCorkle Funeral Home Durand, IL assisted the family.

Memorials have been established to St. Jude's and Shriner's Children's Hospital.

To share a memory or send an online condolence, visit www.mccorklefuneralhome.com.