Henry Nicholas Schneider, age 97, of Hilbert, died on Sunday, November 13, 2016 at Century Ridge in Chilton. He was born September 20, 1919, son of the late William & Margaret (Seipel) Schneider. He married Odelia E. “Odie” Woelfel on May 7, 1941 at St. Martin Catholic Church in Charlestown and the couple farmed together in the Town of Chilton for over 40 years; Odie preceded him in death on November 8, 2015.

He was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert where he also served as an usher and belonged to the Holy Name Society. Through his tenure at St. Mary’s, he also served on the building committee for the construction of the rectory and the building of the new church building. Henry was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, was a Catholic Order of Foresters, and belonged to the Chilton Eagles Club.

There was simply nobody in all the land that was a stranger to Henry. He was a warm and jovial man who looked forward to visits and conversations with everyone he came across. Many of his hobbies showcased this. Early in his life, he and Odie belonged to several couples bowling leagues throughout the area and although he was quite the remarkable bowler, Henry’s favorite part was the camaraderie with Odie and the many other bowlers involved. He was an avid Sheepshead player who was well known for picking awfully light, but cherished the jokes, the stories, and the laughter that was shared by everyone around the table. In his retirement years, Henry picked up the game of golf. It was certainly true he enjoyed swinging the sticks and being outside through the beautiful landscape, but Henry always looked forward to hitting the clubhouse where he knew he’d be able to visit and flip quarters with Sarah at Hickory Hills Country Club. Even later in retirement, Henry began the time honored tradition of deer hunting which yielded him nothing but more stories and plenty of empty cartridges on the ground. One thing that Henry may have invested more time in than farming was fishing and if nobody else could spin an old fisherman’s tail of jigging for white bass, Henry certainly was able to.

For all of the many blessings of friends, fun and stories that God bestowed upon Henry, his greatest blessing was that of his family. He fondly spoke of his family’s involvement in the Farm Progress Days in 1993 when it was held on their homestead. Henry kept close tabs on all of his grandchildren and their involvement in various activities throughout their lives. Henry lit up with love and joy every time one of the great grandchildren would arrive for a visit, and although 97 years separated him from his youngest great grandchild, Henry embraced with love all that each person was to him because they were his family; his most prized possession.

Survivors include his children: children: Ron (Donna) Schneider of Sherwood, Janet (Milan) Deprez of Sherwood, Roger (Georgie) Schneider of Appleton, Alfred (Bonnie) Schneider of Hilbert, Gerald “Jake” Schneider of Oshkosh, Mark (Peggy) Schneider of Hilbert, John (Mary Jo) Schneider of Hilbert, Gloria (Jeff) Schwabenlander of Hilbert, Dave (Paula) Schneider of Hilbert; 24 grandchildren: Tim (Heather) Schneider, Chris (Jackie) Schneider, Nick (Jackie) Schneider, Lori (Andy) King, Dan Deprez, Nicole (Craig) Olson, Kevin (Linda) Schneider, Kari (Andy) Burns, Kim (Scott) Willison, Kory (Carrie) Schneider, Troy (Peggy) Schneider, Kelly (Eric) Thiel, Ryan (Ann) Schneider, Michael Schneider, Alisa (Jon) Mielke, Jacob Schneider, Heather (Brad) Lutes, Michelle (Dave) Puls, Scott (Wendy) Schneider, Sara (Emil) Paguia, Marc (Stacey) Schwabenlander, Lucas (Marissa Ronk) Schneider, Joel (Kathleen) Schneider, Justine (Tyler) Kiel; and 40 great grandchildren. Henry is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Odelia; a son: Lyle Schneider; and all of his brothers and sisters and their spouses.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, November 18, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church (108 S. 6th St.) in Hilbert with Rev. Michael Betley & Rev Tony Birdsall concelebrating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 17, 2016 and on Friday at the church from 9:30 am until 10:30 am. Prayer services will take place Thursday evening at the funeral home at the close of visitation.
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