Family of Belleville hit-and-run victim make plea for driver to step forward

The family of a Belleville man killed in a hit-and-run Saturday night on Illinois Route 157 is pleading for the driver responsible to come forward and bring them closure.

Harold Lee Schaedler Jr., 49, was found with severe injuries just south of Foley Drive after police responded to a call around 10:50 p.m., according to Cahokia Heights Police Chief Thomas Trice. Schaedler was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:05 a.m. Sunday, St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye said.

Schaedler’s daughter, Dasani Gruen, described the loss as “shattering.”

“He was passionate about his family and his four grandchildren,” Gruen said. “He loved to fix things, especially bicycles, which he would ride everywhere.”

Gruen believes her father was cycling when he was struck, though authorities have not confirmed that detail.

“He didn’t drive. Bicycles were his way to get around,” she said.

Gruen cherished the close relationship they shared.

“We could talk about anything. I’ll miss that most,” she said.

Reflecting on the hit-and-run, she added tearfully, “It’s horrific we lost Dad, but worse that someone hit him and left him alone. He didn’t deserve that.”

Known as a “jack of all trades,” Schaedler worked for years in the construction industry and enjoyed helping others, fishing, and grilling. He was a lifelong member of the Delaware Nation Tribe.

Police continue to investigate the fatal hit-and-run and urge anyone with information to contact the Cahokia Heights Police Department.

Schaedler grew up in the Villa Hills neighborhood and graduated from Belleville West. He worked in various labor jobs in the construction trades for many years, according to an obituary.

He is survived by his parents, five children and four grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Hoffen Funeral Home. The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (www.aamds.org).