Memorial
Joseph R. Schimberg, 67, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, November 15, 2014 at University Hospitals in Iowa City, Iowa of a brain aneurysm. A service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 10:00am. Presiding over the ceremony will be Rev. John R. Flaherty and Rev. David O’Connor. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery. A visitation will be held at All Saints Catholic Church on Wednesday, November 19, 2014 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
Surviving to honor his memory is his devoted wife of 45 years, Lynda, and their children Stacy (Bob) Cataldo, David (Jodi) Schimberg, Charles (Lisa) Schimberg and Jolyn (Leon) Robbins. He was blessed to have twelve grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished deeply: Gwen, Sophia and Joseph Cataldo; Maci and Noah Schimberg; Jack, Sam, Charlie Jr., and Will Schimberg; and Vivian and Noelle Robbins, who are also expecting the gift of a new sibling in spring of 2015. All reside in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Also surviving Joe are his sisters Patricia Pigott of Des Moines, Iowa; Carol (Otto) Mertens of Kansas City, Missouri; Linda Schimberg of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gwendolyn Schimberg, as well as his brothers John (Jack) and James (Jim) Schimberg.
Joe was born on December 2, 1946 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was the son of Charles C. Schimberg and Gwendolyn A. Storey. Joe graduated from LaSalle High School in 1965, and in December 1968 received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. On February 1, 1969, Joe married Lynda A. Griffin at St. Matthew Catholic Parish in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Joe served as a member of the Iowa National Guard and then worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Iowa City.
In 1973, Joe and Lynda moved back to Cedar Rapids where Joe went to work for Schimberg Co. He became President in 1975, and remained so until his passing. Joe was the third generation to lead Schimberg Co. and carried a boundless commitment to its employees, customers, and suppliers. Beyond his faith and family, these were unquestionably his highest priorities. His common sense approach to running a business, or offering personal advice, was a distinguishing quality that contributed greatly to Joe’s success, and the success of many others.
Outside his family and business, Joe felt great passion for the community of Cedar Rapids, and worked tirelessly for several local, charitable causes. Throughout his life, Joe selflessly offered himself to organizations, missions and projects with a genuine purpose for helping the greater good. Among those he was most dedicated to, were All Saints Catholic Parish, Catholic education, the Mercy Medical Center Foundation, United Way of Eastern Iowa, Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Eastern Iowa, Xavier High School Foundation, Regis High School, and Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa. A significant part of Joe’s lasting legacy will be his quiet leadership and willingness to help a neighbor in need with his time, talent and treasure; and he did so in a humble, unassuming manner.
Over the years, Joe and Lynda greatly enjoyed spending time in Door County, Wisconsin and cherished its history and splendor. His love of gardening and ability to create beauty in nature were true gifts and talents. Joe obtained his pilot’s license and loved flying small aircraft. He also took immense pleasure in boating the waters up and down the Door County peninsula, and treasured having his grandchildren in his lap as he captained “Schimmy, Too” alongside the bluffs of Green Bay and Lake Michigan.
Joe lived a full life and, with his wife Lynda, raised a loving family, built a landmark business and celebrated life in an unparalleled fashion. Together they were Mom and Dad, Grammie and Grandpa, and the foundation of a family who is forever grateful for their guidance as role models, teachers of character, and discerners of life’s lessons. Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, son, uncle and friend; a dedicated member of the Catholic Church; a man who honored his country and believed in its greatness; an entrepreneur and champion of free enterprise; and a kind and gentle person of strong principles and good heart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to All Saints Catholic Parish, the Mercy Medical Center Foundation, Community Health Free Clinic, or Hospice of Mercy.