Stewart R. Schindler

Stewart R. Schindler
Knoxboro
Stewart R. Schindler of Knoxboro, NY, passed away June 12, 2013, following a long illness. He died at the home on Spencer Road where he was born on August 16, 1920. He was 92 years old. Stewart was the third of four children born to Joseph and Brettice Stewart Schindler. He grew up on the family farm called Windy Acres, raising sheep, and later, dairy cows. Stewart graduated from Stockbridge Valley High School as salutatorian in 1938. He was exempted from military service when he took over the management of the farm from his parents. On June 30, 1944, he married Laura Crossway, of Hamilton, NY, and they started their life together with Stewarts parents on the farm. Plumbing and electricity were then installed in the house and barn, and a few years later, Stewart and his wife bought the farm from his parents. In the 1950s Stewart added a new barn and garage. Stewart and Laura raised five children and continued dairy farming until 1965 when the dairy cows were sold and the land was rented to neighboring farmers. Stewart began his second career as a carpenter, retiring at age 67. The farm was sold in 2009 with Stewart and Laura remaining in the home following the sale. Stewart belonged to several organizations during his lifetime, including the Cooperative Extension, the Farm Bureau, and the Odd Fellows Lodge. He served on the board of directors of the Oneida-Madison Electric Co-op for many years. Over the years, Stewart pursued a number of hobbies including acting in local plays, bowling, softball, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. After Stewart retired, he took up golf and played well into his eighties. He and his wife eventually found time to travel throughout the United States and Canada in their RV, often joining friends on cross country trips. Stewart was always available to help his children and their families with many construction projects and farm work. He continued to cut firewood for himself and family into his late eighties. Stewart was predeceased by his parents, siblings and son-in-law, Earle Ford. He is survived by his wife, Laura; sister-in-law, Peggy Schindler, of Maryland; his children, Sharon Waterman, of Pt. Richmond, CA; Linda Ford, of Waterville, NY; Diane Ritchie, of Colorado Springs, CO; Julie (Thomas) Quinn, of Syracuse, NY; Kevin (Carolyn) Schindler, of Camillus, NY; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Stewart will be cremated and a private memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. Contributions in his memory may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kloster-Northrop &Bentz Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville, NY. To send a condolence or sign the Book of Memories online go to www.klosternorthropbentz.com.
Stewart R. Schindler