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BORN
1935
DIED
2017
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Samuel Schneider Obituary
Springfield, IL—Springfield, IL-Samuel W. "Bill" Schneider, 82, a lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away at 4:30 pm Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.
He was born July 16, 1935 the son of Roy and Rita (Friend) Schneider. He married the former Jean Thom in Springfield, June 30, 1957, recently celebrating their 60th anniversary.
Bill retired from Henson-Robinson Company as a sheet metal worker after many years of service. Bill and his family also are well known for their Elephant Ear concession stand, a family business they helped with for many years before becoming the owners in 1993. The business and Bill's legacy will continue for years to come.
A longtime, devoted and active member of South Side Christian Church, he was happy to help wherever needed, attended lunches and was a self-proclaimed greeter. Bill could be found at any given time greeting members and visitors, making them feel welcomed and comfortable. He was known for his stories, infectious smile and was always whistling a tune, some well-known, and some he made up along the way. Although a craftsman with sheet metal, Bill also enjoyed working with wood. His yard was meticulously maintained with a special talent for growing roses. Bill loved his family, and his church. They were his life and greatest joy. As an avid Cubs fan, he especially enjoyed watching the game with family and friends.
Surviving are his wife Jean, his son, William "Bill" (wife Kathy) Schneider, of Springfield, his two daughters; Mary Lou (Tod) Keltner of Virginia Beach, VA, and Laurie (Bob) Ratsch of Springfield, his 10 grandchildren: Derick (Stephanie) Keltner of Chesapeake, VA, Kyle Schneider of Cape Girardeau, MO, Jason (Sarah) Keltner of San Antonio, TX, Josh Schneider of New Lenox, IL, Amy Keltner of Virginia Beach, VA, Ryan (fiancé Katie) Schneider of Naperville, IL, Sam Keltner of Virginia Beach, VA, Joseph, Abby and Anna Ratsch all of Springfield. He has three great grandchildren: Caleb, Macy, and Camden. Bill is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Norval) Melton of Springfield. There are several nieces, nephews and cousins. His parents and a sister, Jean Holland preceded him in death.
Cremation Rites will be accorded by Bisch Crematory.
A celebration of life service will be held at South Side Christian Church 2600 S. MacArthur, Springfield, IL at 5:00 pm Sunday, September 3, 2017. Pastor Brooks Wilson will officiate. The family will greet family and friends following the service in the community center at the church. Inurnment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to South Side Christian Church 2600 S. MacArthur, Springfield, IL 62704
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Bisch Funeral Home West is honored to serve the Schneider family 544-5424
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Schneider
Sponsored by Bisch Funeral Home.
Denise Peters
September 7, 2017
Jean and family, I am so sorry for your loss, Bill was a good man, he will be sadly missed. God Bless your family.
Deanna Marvin
September 5, 2017
Jean and Family,
So sorry to hear about Bill. I am also sorry that we were out of town and I missed the celebration of life service. I have some great memories of the times we had together. Bill will be greatly missed. He was a great person and always brightened my day.
Potter Dick and Linda
September 4, 2017
Jean and family,
So sorry to read that Bill has passed. He was such a nice man. I recently saw your anniversary announcement on WICS. Brought back good memories of you both from many years ago. Condolences to you and your family.
September 4, 2017
What a fine man. We will see him again someday soon. Jim and Kathy sexton
Brian Kennett
September 3, 2017
Sorry for the passing of Bill. I know he was a good example of how to live and of his faith in Jesus our Lord. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jean and All the Family! God Bless you all and if there is anything we can do let us know ok.
Georgia and Jim Hayden
September 2, 2017
Sorry to hear about Bill. Still remember when the family came out to visit. Great times
Memories are so precious. Love you all
September 2, 2017
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing and we have a lot of good memories of him and his whole family. And of course the Elephant Ear Stand. Love to All. Rich and Mary Keltner
Otto and Edris Fafoglia
September 2, 2017
Edris and I are so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. We know he will be missed by his family. We have known Bill and Jean from Church of the Brethern days. I also had some of their children at Jefferson School. Bill will be missed at his state fair stand. It was a must stop for us there. We are sorry to miss his service because we will be out of town. Sincere condolences to Jean and the family
Mary von Liski
September 2, 2017
Heartfelt sympathy, caring thoughts, prayers. Bill and Jean always brightened my Lewis visits !! Such love, caring, kindness. Wishing the family: a song in your hearts; a rainbow after the rain; sunshine after the clouds; peace; faith; strength, cherished memories.
Rob DelaMontanya
September 2, 2017
Thank you uncle bill for teaching me mechanics when I started out you will be missed by all.
mary jane taft
September 2, 2017
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. It was a great pleasure to have known him and his entire GREAT family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jane & Gary Taft
Foley, Alabama
Verlene & Elaine Urekar
September 1, 2017
Jean & Family ~
We are so very sorry to learn of Bill's passing. Praying God watches over you all during this sad time and brings you comfort and peace. Keeping you all in thoughts.
Verlene & Elaine Urekar
Sarah Mahler
September 1, 2017
Condolences from Adam and I. Uncle Bill was always happy to see everyone and will be missed greatly.
Steph Grider
September 1, 2017
So sorry to hear about your dad Bill. When oscos was out at the fair I would pop by and say hello to your mom and dad. Your dad always said hi and always had a big smile on his face. I would tell your folks to tell you hi. Your dad said he would. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.
Cathie and Rod Von Holten
September 1, 2017
Jean, Rod and I send our sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill was a "gentle"man in every sense of the word. We will remember with fondness his smile, laughter and his kindness. We still have the wooden reindeer that he made for us one Christmas, and think of him when we decorate each year. May memories bring you and your family comfort in the coming days.
Jack and Kelly Sutphin
August 31, 2017
Our heart and thoughts are with you and your family. He always had a smile on his face and was always so kind. So beyond blessed to have known him and so blessed to know his family. What a legacy of love he has grown in his family. Hugs and prayers to all -
Jack and Kelly Jo Sutphin
Rick Easley
August 31, 2017
Jean, Bill, Mary Lou, Laurie and family,
I am saddened to learn of Bill's passing and am sending you my heartfelt condolences.
We were all very close friends growing up together and I have fond memories
of those days (which seem like just yesterday). I spent a lot of time at your
house, back then, playing and having fun - Bill and Jean made me feel at
home. Mr. Schneider, as I called him (because we never called adults by
their first names) was a super husband, dad, neighbor and friend. He will
be sorely missed by all that new him.
God Bless, my love, and friendship to you always!
Eileen Gant
August 30, 2017
So sorry for your loss, God Bless him and his family.
Kristine Fink
August 30, 2017
Jean and family,
I am sad to hear about the loss of Bill. I have nothing but good memories of him and can still hear his laughter.
He is in heaven now and most certainly enjoying himself.
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