Theodore "Ted" J. Schlitt, Jr.

February 24, 1938 - December 17, 2021

Theodore “Ted” J. Schlitt, Jr., 83, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 17, 2021 at Springfield Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 24, 1938, in Springfield, the son of Theodore “Ted” J., Sr. and Edith Williams Schlitt and they preceded him in death. He married Sheila Agnes Conaghan on June 29, 1968 and she survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Carrie Jane “CJ” (Dr. JK) Guarasci of Centerville, OH and Emily Agnes (Chad) Burds of New Albany, OH; four grandchildren, Jacob and Lexi Guarasci and Carter and Payton Burds; and sister, Janet Louise (James) Norris of Chicago.

Ted was a resident of Springfield all his life. His work ethic began with his first job as a paper boy for the State Journal Register. He received his degree in engineering at Northwestern University. He was an officer in the American Business Club for many years and was a former member of the Sangamo Club. Ted was also an active member, and board member, of Illini Country Club. He enjoyed all of his friends at Illini, and appreciated the 14 men that always let Sheila and him play through on Sundays. His friends talked him into to running as Mayor of Leland Grove as a “write-in” candidate. He served as Mayor from 1979 – 1991. He was the 3^rd generation owner of Schlitt Supply, which started in 1908 by his grandfather. After retirement, Ted worked at IDOT Bureau of Railroad since 1998. He was a US Navy veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era and was Lt. JG in the Navy Supply Corps.

Ted was considered THE BEST OF THE BEST! He was an avid tennis player, golfer, bicyclist, snow skier, and bridge player.

Memorial Gathering: 10 – 11 am, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Memorial Service: 11 am, Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield, with Msgr. David Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.

Ted’s Honorary Pallbearers are: Carter Burds, Jacob Guarasci, Siwen Tang, Doug Liniger, and Dr. Frank Sparks.

Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

Visitation Information

Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461 Map

Service Information

Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Time: 11:00 am

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461 Map

Cemetery Information

Date: Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Oak Ridge Cemetery

Address:

1441 Monument Ave

Springfield, IL 62702

(217) 789-2340 Map

Watch Tribute Video Show your support Send Flowers

Upload Photo Leave a memory Light a Candle

Life Event Timeline

Help tell the story of Theodore "Ted"'s life by contributing to the Life Event Timeline. Upload the photo of an event...

Post an Event

Leave a Condolence

Jean Henderson posted on 1/4/22

I worked for Schlitt Supply Company 41 years (starting Nov 1953) as a bookkeeper. We called the brothers: Mr. Fred, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Theodore (we called Ted, Jr. "Teddy" at that time). After their passing, Ted became President, Jim Barnard (deceased) was VP and I was Corporate Sec'y. I am now 93 y/o but then I worked in accounts receivable/payable. Our 1st computer was a monster in a special air conditioned room! We had a BIG cash register, a dictaphone, typed on manual typewriters and took inventory by physically counting EVERY nut and bolt! My memories are many, as are they for my daughter, Cindy Lash. Our sympathy to Sheila and the girls.

Thomas Huseby posted on 12/31/21

was so sorry to learn of Ted’s passing. I knew him as a high school classmate at Springfield High during the 1950s. I was a new kid and Ted, among others, was friendly and helped make me comfortable with my new surroundings. I knew him as a friendly classmate, fun to be with, and a good student. I saw Ted only occasionally over the next 65 years, but was able to keep up with him through mutual friends. My sincere condolences and best regards to his family. He was a wonderful guy and someone I valued and respected.

Serge Murer posted on 12/29/21

Ted -- We all miss you. --- I have only known Ted for the past five years, but his love of Shelia and his family was always shining through. As I was sitting in the beautiful memorial ceremony yesterday, it struck me that Ted would want us all to help Shelia in any way that we can.

Alex Conaghan posted on 12/28/21

My deepest heartfelt condolences and love for Sheila and the Schlitt family.

Alex Conaghan posted on 12/27/21

Dear Uncle Ted, I shall always cherish my memories in Springfield visiting during the Holidays. I especially remember the road trip through Brown county to visit CJ in Kettering and then Wright Patterson Air Museum. I will forever miss you Love, Alex Conaghan

Sharon Thomas posted on 12/24/21

Sheila, so sorry to hear about Ted. Thinking of you and the family.

Tom O’Brien posted on 12/23/21

Condolences to you, Shelia, and your girls and grandchildren. Ted and I were the same and grew up in the same neighborhood. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know him - or could ever beat him at tennis or golf. He was very competitive and very good at both. My sympathy to all his family, and to his many friends

Ill posted on 12/23/21

Condolences to you Sheila, and your girls and grandchildren. Ted was exactly my age and we were friends from childhood. Ted was a good and competitive athlete and excelled at tennis. I share your loss and send my sympathy to you all.

Joe Shacter posted on 12/22/21

I am so sorry to hear about Ted. I worked with him at IDOT while leading the IDOT rail/transit group from 2010-15, and always enjoyed talking with him. He was smart, passionate about his job, and a true lover of life. He will be sorely missed.

Joel Sander posted on 12/22/21

I worked with Ted at IDOT but before that I knew Ted from playing tennis at Racquet Club. Always a nice demeanor and was a tough competitor! I will miss seeing him in the halls of IDOT. RIP Ted.

Melanie Turner posted on 12/22/21

I worked with Tedd at IDOT for about 4 years and he was a great person. He used to love to talk about his grandkids in Ohio, going to soccer games, skiing. He loved his wife and talked often about their golfing, etc. He was a great man and will be missed.

Vail Blunk O’Connor posted on 12/21/21

Ted, you were like a candle burning in the dark always bright and outstanding!! Love always Vail

Larry and Rose Haas posted on 12/21/21

Ted was such a pleasure to know. He was so intelligent, compassionate and understanding of others. So well read and interesting. He was a very good listener which was key to his vast knowledge on so many things. God bless your family,

Mark Tisckos posted on 12/21/21

I have known Ted for several years & I have talked with him on a regular basis. I often joked with him about retirement & told him that if IDOT ever sold the building that he would have to come with it as a fixture of the agency as a package deal. I used to help him out with railroad finances, graduate student interns at UIS, procurement & consultant agreements. I would consistently seek his advice when it came to work, family & life in general. Ted is one of a kind & can never be duplicated by anyone. I wish Ted & his family peace & will always miss his wit & wisdom.

Tim Schafer posted on 12/21/21

Ted will always have a place in my heart stemming from my days working for him at Schlitt Supply. He helped teach me how to be kind and gentle while still being firm I pass along condolences to all the family

View All Condolences

Post a Condolence