Joe SCHNEIDER

January 15, 1943 - February 16, 2024

How do you take the measure of a life well-lived? This week, the Schneider family found out. Our husband of 56 years, father to two grown sons and their wives, and grandfather to four granddaughters, slipped the bonds of this world. Joe Schneider lived 81 years, years marked by family, laughter, song and love. A poet at heart and hand Joe loved to sing, be surrounded by music and write poems of love, friendship and family. Born the youngest of seven, Joe's north star was family, those born to us and those we choose. He and Maureen, his partner in life and love, traveled the world; on bikes, planes and even the backs of camels! An educator, Joe taught thousands of Gonzaga Prep students English for 33 years and shared his belief in the power of words to change and inspire. In his long life, Joe modeled a fundamental decency and respect for people that, for those who knew him, was the essence of the man. Deeply curious and intelligent, Joe loved ideas; from his Jesuit roots, to his love of banned books, Joe fearlessly explored those most fundamental, absurd and important. As a veteran and volunteer, Joe's commitment to service and empathy shaped him and served to remind us that to whom much is given, much is expected in return. To know Joe, was to love and be loved by him. His family and friends knew this each day until the end. A life well-lived? Indeed.

We will have a celebration of Joe's life and legacy in spring for family and friends.