George Henry Schneider

1934 - 2024

George Henry Schneider passed peacefully on October 4, 2024. George was born February 21, 1934, in Holstein NE to Theodore Peter Schneider and Anna Barbara (Hupf) Schneider, and was raised on their family farm. This beginning provided the roots for his life-long love of the land and all the natural world.

After graduating high school, he worked for Nebraska Game Commission in habitat restoration and fisheries for 2 years. He then served in the U. S. Army as a mechanic for 2 years and was given the chance to become an officer but was encouraged by his mentor at the Game Commission to go on to college. He enrolled at University of Nebraska and continued to work at the Game Commission with quail and pheasant research during his studies at the University. George was the first in his family to obtain a college degree, completing double majors of B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany and Zoology.

George met the love of his life, Jovita (Jo) Ostdiek, at a church youth dance, and they were married May 25, 1955, in Lawrence, NE while he was still serving in the Army. After his graduation from University of Nebraska, George and Jo took their three young children at that time to Quincy, IL to start his career at Quincy College (now Quincy University.) He taught there as Associate Professor for 38 years, a tenure which included membership on the Administrative Council and 3 years as Chairman of the Biological Sciences Department. His honors included Sigma Xi and Teacher of The Year Award. He was recognized as Professor Emeritus in 2016.

After moving to Quincy, their family grew from 3 to 6 children, and they moved to a family farm near Liberty, IL. George was well-known for his bountiful garden, which he loved to share with family, friends and the community. The farm was his natural laboratory for research. He raised a variety of bird species such as quail, pheasant, and wild turkeys and helped reintroduce them to local habitats. The family enjoyed many Sunday walks in the woods, where their dad became their first teacher to instill a love of nature as well as the joy of spending time together as a family.

George was an accomplished scientist and researcher throughout his career. He conducted several ecological research projects, including an environmental impact study for the Quincy Bayview bridge, wetlands delineation for extension of Highway 336, bald eagle studies, and several other environmental research projects. He also conducted studies of breeding bird populations for the State of Illinois at Siloam Springs State Park and Jubilee State Park (Peoria). And for many decades he contributed to Audubon Spring and Christmas bird counts. He had a keen ear for identifying species by song and their flight patterns. He extended his involvement with memberships to the Wildlife Management, Mammalogy Society, and Audubon Society.

George strongly believed in supporting his community by serving on various committees and boards. He served on the Board of Directors for Adams Electric Cooperative 21 years, served on the University of IL Extension Agricultural Committee, and was a Liberty School Board Member for six years (acting as President for 2 years). He was active in parish life at St. Brigid Church in Liberty. He served for many years as Eucharistic Minister and Lector; also served on parish council. He and Jovita served as mentors for engaged couples preparing for marriage.

He enjoyed gardening until late in life, had a tremendous love for hunting, fishing, bird-watching and woodworking: he made many fine pieces of furniture for children and grandchildren. Of all of his roles and accomplishments, his favorite title was that of husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved his children and being with family, and he was a central part of our lives.

George was a great teacher, scholar, researcher, gardener, ornithologist, hunter, fisherman, family man, and above all, a gentle man with a wonderful sense of humor and infectious laugh.

George was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings, and their spouses. He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, Jovita; children Pam (Ken) Markin, Greg (Lori), Ron (Denise), Mike (Patty), Karen (John) Steinkamp, Donna (Steve) Dressel; grandchildren Jennifer, Daniel, Michael, Audrey, Jeremy, Ryan, David (Juli), Megan (Alex), Madison, Graham, Dalton, Maggie, Peter, Kate; great-grandchildren Josiah, Tyrell, Jane, Henry, Nora; and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Illinois Veterans Home for their care and loving attention to George. We will be eternally grateful.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty. Interment will be in St. Brigid Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duker & Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy, and Tuesday morning at St. Brigid Church from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Quincy University Fund for student scholarships or St. Brigid Catholic Church. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com