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News|OBITUARY

Cheryl Lynn (Perfetti) Schmidgall

Cheryl Lynn Schmidgall, 78, passed away peacefully in her family’s arms on January 04, 2026 after a courageous battle with a lung disease. 

Cheryl was born September 30,1947 to Dominic and Edith Perfetti.  Many of her childhood years were spent working with her parents and brother Jim at their family store in Green Valley, IL. 

She graduated high school in 1965 and went on to graduate from Methodist School of Nursing and had over 30 years as a Registered Nurse.  A significant portion of those years were spent in the ICU taking care of patients with the most loving care. 

She met her husband, David William Schmidgall while “cruising” with friends after a High School basketball game against Delavan.  They were married June 28, 1969 and haven’t left each other’s side in 56 years.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, David Schmidgall, her two children, Jeff (Libby) Schmidgall, Stacie Pleasants, and four grandchildren, Gabriel & Michael Pleasants, and Ryan & Emily Schmidgall.

Her passion for her grandchildren and the care she gave them every day of her life was unmatched and very evident as they all were by her side to the end.  She is also leaving behind her precious kitty, Chungus who loved to lay with her because of how spoiled he was by her. 

Cheryl was greeted in heaven by her parents, Dominic and Edith Perfetti, her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Gloria Perfetti, and countless others that she loved.

Cheryl had a passion for creating the most beautiful quilts and would enjoy being able to give these works of art to her family and friends.  She enjoyed many trips with her quilting friends on quilting retreats and would always come back energized and ready for the next project.  She hosted many Christmas Craft shows with her friends and sister-in-law, Gloria and would spend countless hours preparing.  She was also the most wonderful cook. You could feel the love in each dish she prepared. We’d always try to replicate but never could.  It just didn’t taste the same as when mom made it.  Cheryl leaves behind so much love that will live on through all of our lives.  What a privilege it was to be loved and cared for by her. 

A private memorial service to honor Cheryl’s life and legacy will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to TAPS No-kill Animal Shelter and St. Jude, a cause Cheryl held close to her heart. Her love and compassion for children and families going through difficult times, was something she was passionate about. 

 


Robert Fang

Robert Fang
Editor / Publisher

Robert Fang is the Editor and Publisher of The Delavan Dispatch. He is a career professional in the newspaper and publishing industries and has been a member of the Delavan community since 2004.


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