Carl Schneider Obituary

Carl A. Schneider passed away peacefully on December 14th, 2003 at the age of 84, in his home west of Woodland, CA. He was born on his family farm near Woodland on October 10th, 1919.

He is survived by his loving wife Jane following 62 years of marriage. Also surviving are his three children and spouses: Geneva Koebel of Woodland and husband Doug; Carl J. Schneider of Sacramento and wife Judy; Gerald Schneider of Riverbank and wife Jan; his grandchildren Sherrin Olswang and husband Tom, Kelly Tassone and husband Paul, Michele Bessette and husband Michael, Amy Elwell and husband Dave, Emily Lewis and husband Justin, Susie Abood and husband Ryan, Lindy Janssen and husband Rick and Tim Schneider. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Chelsi, Lauren, Brandon, Lisa, Erika, Jena, Olivia, Allison, Connor and Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Ursula Schneider, his brothers Joseph, Harry and Frank; his sister Alice Ehrke and is survived by his sister Agnes Farnham of Auburn. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.

He was a lifelong resident of Woodland devoted to family, community, church and farming. He attended Willow Oak Grammar School and graduated from Woodland High School with the class of '37. He was and outstanding football player in high school, enjoying a championship season in 1936 and was inducted into the Woodland Hall of Fame in 1978. He reputedly still holds the Woodland High School weight lifting record for sitting leg lifts at 1050 pounds. He ran the " chain gang" at high school football games for 20 years and was proud to be and alumni of Woodland high. He was always ready to lend a hand to better the athletic department. He also took an active part in Woodland High School's 100th anniversary celebration.

He was 21 years and 6 days old before the draft and had one of the lowest #'s drawn in the draft. Friends said to join them in the National Guard and they would serve their year together. It was during his service on July 5, 1941 that he married his high school sweetheart Jane Fitzgerald. He returned 4 years and 11 months after he first joined the National Guard, having participated in four pacific island invasions during World War II. He received several citations including the Bronze Star. His National Guard unit was inducted into federal service on March 3, 1941.

When he returned from the service he farmed with his brother Joe and cousin Bill Fricke as Schneider, Fricke & Scneider from 1946-1981 and enjoyed his retirement in the ranch home they lived in since 1946.

In the community he was a 4-H leader; little league president, coach and umpire; Willow Oak volunteer fireman, coached Holy Rosary football for several years; community fund raiser for Church building, hospital and football stadium construction serving on the board of directors. He was active in the California Beet Grower's Association and spent 20 years as a director in the California Tomato Growers Association spending three years as president. He was named Woodland's Agri-Businessman of the year in 1976. He served on several state boards and was always ready to help wherever he could for the betterment of the farming community. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed the family hunting trips. He loved to play cards; whether bridge cribbage or pinochle, but was just as happy with "fish" or "concentration" with his great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, American Legion, Woodland Elks Club, Yolo Fliers Club, the Knights of Columbus and Out of Sight. He particularly enjoyed his years of championship "pedro" card playing for the Knights of Columbus. He also enjoyed family and friends, gardening and golf. He loved people and enjoyed life most when his home was filled with family and friends.

Viewing/visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 on Friday evening, December 19th, 2003, with a vigil at 7:00 p.m. at Kraft Bros. Funeral Home. Services will be at Holy Rosary Church on Saturday, December 20th, 2003 at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Monument Hill Memorial Park. Donations to a Scholarship Fund being established at Woodland High School in his name, Yolo County Hospice, Holy Rosary Church Building Fund or a charity of the donor's choice are welcome.

Kraft Bros. Funeral Directors is assisting the family with arrangements. Inquiries may be made by calling 530-662-4658, or by contacting www.legacy.com