Ryan P. Schneider

Ryan Patrick Schneider, age 51, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Ryan was born on March 30, 1973, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Gary and Jane (Kemper) Schneider. He was a proud Flying Arrow and lived in his beloved Lancaster, Wisconsin, graduating class of 1991 from Lancaster High School. 

 

After graduation, he went to Southwest Technical School for Agribusiness, in Fennimore, WI. He also attended the Wisconsin Department of Corrections program. Due to his love of his farm, this job opportunity never materialized. 

 

One thing everyone knows about Ryan is he is a Hard Worker; he gave it his all. He worked for multiple local dairy and farming families throughout the area since he was old enough to work. His mom remembered fondly driving him to milk before his license. He was his father’s right-hand man on their own Family Dairy operation until the cows left and Ryan started to buy the farm. He was employed at Southwest Supply Inc, eventually landing the position he planned on retiring at UW-Lancaster Research Farm as an Animal Technician. He was an employee of the Research Farm in high school as a temp, working weekends, until he was able to be full-time. He was so proud of his work there: working with cows, learning new animal health/tech information, working with the interns, and watching them find their paths, and working with not only co-workers but they were a family there. 

 

The research farm not only gave him a career but due to a couple interns led him to meet the love of his life, his soul mate, Mari in 2009. The couple wed on June 12, 2010, and finally on July 21st, 2011, Ryan saw his lifelong dream come true, raising his family with his wife on his farm. Ryan and Mari not only had Wesson but 2 years later Mesa and Tucker, the twins, and less than 2 years after that, Tessa. His kids were his life; he worked hard for his family, supporting them in everything they did, he never wanted them to feel that they couldn't reach their goals and dreams. Ryan and his family with his parents, grew his family farm Arrowhead Acres to what it is today, enjoying his cow/calf operation, proud of his breeding program, and working/growing/caring for his own piece of God's Earth. He loved his family with his entire heart and body but, unfortunately, cancer took him from us way too soon. He will be so utterly missed for his quirky ways, always trying to make people laugh, being two strong arms to hug, and a constant true gentle heart to confide in. Ryan’s faith was as big as he was and his heart. Those who love him know Jesus welcomed him with open arms and “a good job my beloved.” 

 

Ryan is survived by his wife Mari (Dean) Schneider, sons Wesson and Tucker Schneider, daughters Mesa and Tessa Schneider, his parents Gary and Jane (Kemper) Schneider, his sisters and their families: Jennifer (Schneider) and Marty Abing, Niece Chloe and Nephew Luke Abing, and Jody (Schneider) and Kurt Sturmer, Nieces Katie and Anna Sturmer, and the Dean Family: Glenn and Barb Dean, Mari’s sisters Jenna and Yvonne, and their families. 

 

He is preceded in death by grandparents Gordon and Margaret Schneider, and Louis and Ethel Kemper. 

 

A private family funeral will be held at the Lancaster E&R Church with Pastor Mark Dieter officiating with private family burial at Liberty Ridge Cemetery, Liberty Township.  Family and friends may visit on Monday, May 6, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Homes & Crematory in Lancaster.  In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations towards Ryan’s memorial fund and towards expenses. Please make checks payable to The Mari Schneider Family.