Obituary: Alfred H. Schneider

Alfred H. Schneider, age 78, of Hilbert, died on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah.  He was born August 3, 1946 in Appleton and was the son of the late Henry Nicholas & Odelia E. “Odie” (Woelfel) Schneider.  On November 13, 1971, Al married the love of his life, Bonnie Heimann, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton.  

Al was born and raised living the ‘farm life’ and absolutely loved every moment of it.  As someone who never allowed the grass to grow under his feet, Al never waited until tomorrow to accomplish tasks before him.  During much of his farming career, he owned and operated Schneider Farms with his four brothers and his son.  He previously served on the Farm Credit Services Board and was extremely proud of the time that his family hosted Calumet County Farm Progress Days in 1993.  

After he retired, Al applied those same farming habits into the maintenance and detailed care of his yard.  He focused a lot of attention on his lawn and  his John Deere yard tractor.

He was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert where he served on the church council, belonged to the Men’s Club and the Knights of Columbus and was one of the first communion distributors at the parish.  

As anyone can attest, Al carried a special gene within his DNA; The Schneider Gift of Gab.  Al loved to be around all of the people he loved whether it was attending his grandchildren’s extra-curricular activities, or sitting around a table playing Sheepshead laughing and sharing stories with family and friends.  He would often mention that he never lost money playing cards, he just relocated it to a different home.  

Above all else, Al cherished his faith and knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had him in His care wherever he went and in whatever he was doing.  It was this knowledge that allowed Al to cherish all of God’s gifts he received, especially the gift of his family.  He was an extremely caring and generous person who was grateful for the life he was given.  

When Al received his cancer diagnosis, he continually maintained a positive attitude with a warm and inviting smile that never dimmed.  He truly handled this cross of cancer with more grace than anyone could imagine.  He fought as hard as he could just so that he could witness the next family event or milestone.

Survivors include his wife: Bonnie; his children: Troy R. Schneider and his fiancée, Ellen LaBianco, Kelly (Eric) Thiel, Ryan A. (Ann) Schneider; grandchildren: Phillip, Garrett & Collin Schneider, Abriela (Nicholas) Purcell, Adela Thiel, Matthew Schneider and his fiancée, Liliana O’Leary, Elizabeth Schneider; his siblings: Ron (Donna) Schneider, Janet (Milan) Deprez, Roger (Georgie) Schneider, Gerald “Jake” Schneider, Mark (Peggy) Schneider, Gloria (Jeff) Schwabenlander, Dave (Paula) Schneider; and his sisters-in-law: Mary Jo Schneider and Millie Heimann.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Al was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers: Lyle Schneider, John Schneider; and his siblings-in-law: Daniel (Joanne) Thiel, Beverly (Jim) Lehrer and Arnold Heimann.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Monday, May 12, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Michael Betley officiating.  Burial will follow in the Parish Cemetery.  A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm and on Monday at the church from 9:00 am until 10:30 am.  There will be a vigil service Sunday evening at the funeral home at the close of the visitation.  At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available at wietingfuneralhome.com for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the ceremony, view a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.  

Memorials given in the name of Alfred H. Schneider are appreciated and will be donated by the family to organizations that support individuals with disabilities.  

​Al’s family would like to thank everyone at the Theda Care Cancer Center, Palliative Care Center and the Hospice Agency for all of the loving care that was given to Al as well as his entire family.