Timothy Lamar Schannep, of Evanston, passed away on Aug, 24 at age 71.
He was born on July 17, 1951, in Phoenix, and was the youngest of seven children. He was raised in North Manchester, Indiana, and was a 1969 graduate of Manchester High School.
Tim used his talents as artist, interior decorator and consummate host in careers that included window dressing on State Street, real estate, and fine dining and catering. Tim was working for Amtrak on the City of New Orleans run in March 1999 whennear Bourbonnais, Illinoishis train collided with a flat-bed semi-trailer carrying 37,000 pounds of steel rods. He helped many passengers to safety and medical attention, even though he himself was severely injured.
Tim was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church, in Evanston, for many years. Because of his research and perseverance, Grace's pastor and family were able to take a three-month sabbatical, paid for by the Eli Lilly Foundation. Tim also was a lifelong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. He helped organize the AIDS Memorial Quilt project and arrange exhibits of the quilt throughout the country. Later, he was a spokesperson for affordable housing for the senior gay community. Tim and his husband worked with their cherished dog to become certified as a visiting team to hospitals and retirement communities, and they were dedicated to bringing a little joy to the people they visited.
He enjoyed hunting for bargains, and he knew where to find them. Although he loved a steal, he spared no expense when he entertained or gave gifts to his family and friends. He was outgoing and friendly, able to easily strike up a conversation with anyone he met. He always could find some common ground with others, and was an empathetic listener.
Tim is survived by his sister, Darlene Lane of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tim was preceded in death by his husband, Antonio Garcia; his parents, Virgil Lamar and Frances Esther (Pence) Schannep; his sister, Connie Vinton; his brothers Jerry, Wikky, Mark and Jimmie Joe; and his beloved dog, Coco.
He is loved by many and will be greatly missed. Tim's memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Evanston (1430 South Blvd.) at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1.