Obituary

Roger Schmidt

Winnebago High School's legendary cross country coach, Roger Schmidt, crossed the finish line for the last time on October 28, 2021.

He was born in Forreston, IL on November 7, 1930 to Walter and Martha (Abels) Schmidt. He graduated from Forreston High School, and went on to earn his Masters degree in Education at Illinois State in Normal, IL. He taught in schools in Leaf River, Winnebago and Byron, IL. He also coached cross country (he founded Winnebago's stellar cross country dynasty), track and basketball—and was inducted into the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame in 2002. He served his country overseas during the Korean Conflict, and married Carolyn Wallin on June 7, 1958.

Roger was predeceased by Carolyn, his parents, his brothers—Warren (Margaret Wright, deceased) and Willard, brother in law Charles Wallin, and special cousin, Elton Miller. He is survived by his daughter Heidi (Scott) Conklin, grandsons—Christopher, Alexander, and Bartholomew (Joelle White), Toni (Charles) Wallin, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nov. 19, 2021, Visitation 10 a.m. Funeral 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church (925 Fifth Ave. Rockford, IL). Memorials will benefit the Winnebago High School Cross Country program. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit