Herbert “Herb” Joseph Schneider
Herbert “Herb” Joseph Schneider, 87 of rural Prairie du Chien, beloved husband of Helen (Lenzendorf) for 61 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by the ones he laughed with, lived for, and loved on Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Prairie Mason Nursing Facility.
Herb was born on Sept. 19, 1929, the third son to his parents Anthony Magdalena Schneider who resided near Bloomington, on the farm they were renting at the time of his birth. He was baptized, made his first communion, and was confirmed at St Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Eastman. As a young child he attended Hazen Country School and graduated from Wauzeka High School where he enjoyed athletics and participated in baseball and basketball.
Herb and Helen were married April 12, 1955, at St. Gabriel’s Church in Prairie du Chien, where he was a lifelong member. He spent the first 26 years of their marriage employed in farming, 13 years in rural Wauzeka with Bill Kussmaul, and after his passing was sought out and employed by Mike Foley as herdsman on "White Face Ranch" as it was known in rural Eastman raising registered Polled Hereford cattle. Farming and his family brought the greatest accomplishment and joy to him. At 46 years of age he took temporary employment at 3M Company in Prairie du Chien and at two weeks was offered full time employment to which he worked 20 years and three months until his retirement. Herb was a loyal and hard working employee throughout his lifetime and instilled this in his children and grandchildren.
After his retirement he spent many days helping family and friends with various projects. He loved gardening and watching his grandchildren in their various school activities. He was an avid Packers and Badgers Fan. He will always be remembered for his fighting spirit and contagious laugh and smile.
He is survived by his wife Helen, their children and grandchildren, Allan, Seneca (Ryan and Andrea Dunbar) Marilyn Don Palmer, Eastman (Melissa Fisher, Angela Palmer-Fisher, Amy Ankerson, Aaron), Patty Mick Kneeland, Reedsburg (Joe, Chris, Matt), David Meaghan, Marquette, IA (Anthony, Stephen, Molly, Brandon) Scott Marie, Viroqua (Collin, Christian, Nicholas, Brianna, Samantha) and Nancy Fassbinder, Prairie du Chien (Emily, Erica, Elise.), 14 great grandchildren, and three step great grandchildren. He is preceded by his parents, Anthony Magdalena (Matt) Schneider, and brothers Francis and Leo Schneider and his infant great grandson Ryne Fisher.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Church of the Holy Family Parish, Rev. James Weighner officiating with burial in the Calvary Cemetery both in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call on Friday, Oct. 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien where there will be a rosary at 7:30 p.m.
