Herman Schneidman

Herman Schneidman, 95, one of Quincy's best known and respected residents, passed away in Quincy at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 12, 2008). He was born on Nov. 22, 1912, in Rock Island. Herman came to Quincy with his parents, David and Rebecca Scheinman Schneidman, older brother, Edward, and younger brother, Samuel, when he was 6 years old. The family settled near Fourth and Broadway, which became the base of the Schneidman family grocery business. Herman attended Jefferson Elementary School, Quincy High School and the University of Iowa. At Iowa, Herman was very successful in his studies and his athletic endeavors. In 1935 Herman signed a National Football League contract with the Green Bay Packers as a blocking back. During that period the Packers won two league championships. He joined the Chicago Cardinals for one year and then entered the U.S. Navy as an enlisted man. A successful career in the Navy resulted and Herman was commissioned as ensign in 1944. He returned to Quincy with an honorable discharge in 1945 and immediately entered the business known as Schneidman Distributors with his brother, Ed, who was then mayor of Quincy. Venita Mary Sander and Herman were married in St. Mary Church in Quincy on Sept. 29, 1948, and enjoyed a long and happy marriage. Venita passed away on July 25, 2003. Herman was a consummate civic leader giving willingly of his time, his talent and his finances to groups and organizations that benefited Quincy and the surrounding area. As a volunteer Herman co-chaired the Quincy Notre Dame Fund Drive, was a past member of the QND Foundation, Adams County Homemakers Board of Directors, Exchange Club Member, Mart Heinen Club of Quincy University, Catholic Youth Organization and served other causes throughout his many years. Herman has been honored many times during his life. In 2002 Quincy Notre Dame held a testimonial dinner in his honor. During this event Herman was spoken of as, "one of the most kindly and genteel residents of our community, he has also been a leader and a builder." In April 2006 Herman was the recipient of the eighth annual United Way Joe Bonansinga Community Service Award that is co-sponsored by the Rotary Club. Finally, in September 2006, Herman traveled to Green Bay, Wis., to be introduced at half time of a Packers game as the oldest surviving Packer. He made many, many friends and few, if any, enemies during his lifetime. Although the Schneidmans had no children, they maintained a continuous and loving interest in their nieces and nephews. These include: Steve Schmitt and his wife, Linda, Tim Schmitt, Julie Markert and her husband, Mike, all of Quincy, Michael Schmitt and his wife, Terri, of Chicago, William H. Sander and his wife, Jola, of Evanston, Nancy Hancena and her husband, Farid, of Aurora, Susan Sander of Quincy, Auris M. McGee III and his wife, Mary Beth, Kathy Harman and her husband, Dave, John McGee and his wife, Robin, all of Quincy, Patti Hogge of Lee's Summit, Mo., David Schneidman of Israel and Eddie Schneidman of Chicago. Herman also is survived by three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sam (Evelyn) Schneidman, Kathleen Schmitt and Mrs. Auris (Joan) McGee, and a brother-in-law, Bill Sander III and his wife, Adeline, all of Quincy; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and many longtime friends. Herman was preceded in death by his parents, David and Rebecca Schneidman; his loving wife, Venita; a brother Edward, who while mayor of Quincy was killed in the LaSalle Hotel fire in Chicago; his brother, Sam, who was a successful lawyer in Quincy; and nephews, Ted and Bruce Sander. SERVICES: 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the Duker and Haugh Funeral Home followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church, Seventh and Adams. The Rev. Roy Bauer will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post No. 37. VISITATION: 4 to 6 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. MEMORIALS: Schneidman Scholarship Fund at Quincy Notre Dame High School, the Herman Schneidman Circle of Investment Fund for Athletics (Quincy Foundation for Quality Education), Quincy University or Sunset Home. WEB SITE: www.dukerandhaugh.com. ARRANGEMENTS: Duker and Haugh Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.