Dr. Joanne "Jody" Schulmeister Obituary

Dr. Joanne (Jody) Schulmeister, age 66 passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024 in her husband’s loving arms. She was born in Alton, IL on July 1, 1957, to Dr. Melvin Schulmeister and Rosemarie (Eisman) Schulmeister who preceded in death.

Jody is survived by her husband, Dr. Larry Newquist, and her children, Larry Newquist II and his fiancé Madeleine Hustrom; Corbin J. Newquist, and his wife Ariel Byam, and Devora M. Newquist. She also leaves behind her two dogs, Peanut and Jack whom she loved dearly.

Dr. Jody was a proud resident of Alton and Godfrey. She was a graduate of Alton High School, The University of Illinois, and Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Jody married Dr. Larry Newquist on March 25, 1988, at St. Ambrose Church in Godfrey, IL. She was a phenomenal wife and mother who provided unconditional love to her husband and children. She played with, read to, hugged, and cherished each child. Jody worked tirelessly to ensure birthdays, holidays and vacations were tailored to family activities. Christmas was especially important to Jody. Her remarkable ability to bring joy to the family over the holidays will forever be remembered. Jody’s happiness and pride were her family. Her most joyous moments were spent with her husband and children. Jody was a rabid sports fan. Some of her greatest memories were of the Fighting Illini, St. Louis Cardinals, The Master’s Tournament, Ryder Cup, the Olympics, and any sport her children were playing. Jody loved music and theater. She exposed her children to music through piano, drums, violin, and singing lessons. She loved going to the Fox Theater with her family. Vacation often involved physical activity such as snow skiing, boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, bicycling, golf, tennis, and white-water rafting.

Dr. Jody’s love of dentistry was obvious to all who knew her. She began her dental practice with her father, Dr. Melvin Schulmeister in Alton, Illinois. In October of 1990, her husband and she opened a dental practice in Godfrey, Illinois. Her honesty, integrity, great sense of humor, and enormous capacity to truly care about her patients endeared her to the community. She often said that her dental practice was her second home, and that her staff and patients were her second family. She was generous in her support of both Alton and Marquette High School programs. She was involved in support of Riverbend Head Start, the NAACP, back to school programs, the 100 black men organization, the Alton Boys and Girls Club, The Oasis Center, Hope Rescue, and Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine, many youth sports programs, and countless other noble causes.

Jody loved practicing dentistry with her husband, Larry. Smiles and laughter permeated their dental practice. Jody was ecstatic about her and Larry’s continuing love story. She believed they were the perfect pair whose love, respect and admiration grew exponentially over time.

A celebration of life will occur on her birthday, July 1, 2024 from 4-8 pm at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey with a short program of memories and honorary toast to be held at 7 pm.

Casual attire is preferred.

Any donations can be made to Hope Animal Rescues in honor of Dr. Jody, where she adopted one of her babies, Jack.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.