Lee Schneider

January 23, 1935 - October 21, 2025

Lee A. Schneider, 90, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, after a life marked by professional distinction, community service, and a powerful sense of adventure.

Born in Davenport on January 23, 1935, to Carl and Bernadine Schneider, Lee was the eldest of four boys. The family moved to New Mexico during his senior year, where he graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1953. Lee excelled academically, earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from Northwestern University, where he was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma Engineer Honor Society, and later, an MBA degree from the University of Iowa.

Lee's professional career was defined by his nearly 49 years with MA Ford and Miracle Tools America, LLC (MTA). As an Engineering Manager, he helped modernize the company, leading the transition to computer control of production machinery and establishing the circuit board drill business. His sharp business acumen later saw him serve as VP and CFO, where he successfully managed the financing of two additional buildings. Following MA Ford's joint venture with MMC, Lee became the President and Chief Operating Officer of MTA, serving for 14 years until his retirement.

Beyond his career, Lee dedicated his time and expertise to public service. He was a past Director of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce, served on the Scott County Judicial Nominating Commission, and contributed to the 1970 Iowa Legislative Redistricting Commission.

An avid skier and a dedicated sailor, Lee found joy on the slopes and the water. He truly lived life to the fullest, traveling the world throughout his life, including annual ski trips in Colorado, and taking himself on a memorable trip to Alaska in July. Lee was a long-time member of the Davenport Gyro Club and the Lake Davenport Sailing Club.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Lucretia Schneider; his daughter, Julie Larson; and his brother, Peter Schneider.

Lee will be deeply missed as a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his son, William Schneider and daughter-in-law, Rose Ann Schneider; his granddaughters, Kelly Porter (Adam) and Megan Crew (Roger); his great-granddaughter, Indie Crew; his son-in-law, Ralph Larson; and his brothers, Jim Schneider and William Schneider.

Funeral services will be held at Weerts Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with light lunch to follow. Service will be at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Davenport Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to United Stroke Alliance or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.weertsfh.com.

Weerts Funeral Home

3625 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, IA 52807

(563)355-4433

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Quad-City Times on Oct. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Lee Schneider

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2 Entries

Jenn Pavlovic

November 11, 2025

Lee Schneider was very important to my family. He was a childhood friend of my mother and father, going to the same church (Zion Lutheran) and schools in Davenport, Iowa. Legend has it that if not for Lee, my mom and dad might not have met. Lee invited my dad to a Luther League bowling outing and told him he had to bring a girl. My dad said he didn´t have a girl, so Lee told him to pick one out. Dad looked over at the girls practicing in the choir loft and picked out Mom. He asked her to go bowling and the rest is history. It was the first date for both, and they became a pair that day. I might not even be here today if not for Lee.

Lee remained friends with my parents throughout their lives, attending Northwestern University together after he and my dad won mechanical engineering scholarships, and stayed in touch after my parents moved to Wisconsin. One memorable trip dad made with Lee and Carol Schaeffer was to a car museum in Indiana. We were grateful that Lee drove up to Wisconsin to visit my parents at the end of 2022, not long before they passed away in early 2023. Lee also made the drive to Wisconsin for their celebration of life in September of 2023. He shared wonderful stories of his college adventures and escapades with my dad, mostly involving cars. I came to deeply appreciate what a wonderful friend Lee always was to my parents. I have the 2023 video of Lee telling stories from their college days and will share it with the family if you would like to see it.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Lee was an amazing person and a truly wonderful friend who my family was lucky to know.

Larry

October 29, 2025

Reading of the loss of Lee brought back a lot of memories of knowing him, as his legacy at MA Ford began only shortly before I started. From him driving the old "Carpetwagon" to work each day, to thwarted plans for him to pilot the company President & a couple of us to look at a grinding machine, to operating the innovative 2 station, mechanically controlled, circuit board drill producing equipment he designed that introduced us into the world of what was possible with micro- technology, his vision led the way. Memories of the lengthy time shared are many, & live on. To his brother Bill, & all of his loved ones, my thoughts are with you in this time of your loss.

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