In loving memory of

Douglas J. Schnicker
April 9, 1959 - February 11, 2013

Douglas J. Schnicker, 53, of Burlington, died Monday, February 11, 2013, as a result of a vehicle accident in Illinois.
Born April 9, 1959 in Burlington, he was the son of Harold and Virginia Smith Schnicker. On May 28, 1988, he married Michele Williams at First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ.
Doug was a 1977 graduate of Burlington High School, 1979 graduate of Southeastern Community College, and a 1981 graduate of Western Illinois University with a degree in business administration.
Doug owned The Sandwich Shop in downtown Burlington for several years. Later he purchased his parents' donut business and renamed it Doug's Donut and Deli. He most recently worked in route sales for Wonder Bread and Sara Lee.
Doug was a member of First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ where he volunteered regularly by driving the church van and serving as a parent sponsor of the M&M Group. He was a past member of Burlington Golf Club. Doug was active with the Boy Scouts where he encouraged and supported both of his sons to become Eagle Scouts. He volunteered as a soccer coach and was an avid Hawkeye fan. Besides a passion for water skiing, Doug also enjoyed knee and paddle boarding. Traveling with his family to Chicago, Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas, Alaska, San Diego, and Hawaii was particularly relaxing to Doug.
Survivors include his wife, Michele Schnicker of Burlington; two sons, Nicholas Schnicker of Iowa City and Ryan (Stephanie) Nagrocki of Fort Madison; his father, Harold Schnicker of Burlington; one brother, Dave (Cathy) Schnicker of Burlington; one sister, Diane (Dan) Paddock of St. Charles, MO; nieces and nephews, Jamey Holder, Bryan Schnicker, Jason Schnicker, Dustin Paddock, Dylan Paddock, Drew Paddock, Kelsey Williams and Brianna Williams; in-laws, Bob and Betty Williams of Sierra Vista, AZ; brother in-law, Sean Williams of Tucson, AZ, and other special aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents and brother, Dan Schnicker.
The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, February 15th, at First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ.
The celebration of life for Doug will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 16th, at First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ with the Rev. David Yonker officiating. Private family inurnment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for River Front Improvements and First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ.

Tributes

Garret Krieger wrote on Feb 18, 2013:

"Ryan, I am so heart broken to hear about your dad, I remember him bringing Donuts to our soccer games in High School. I had the pleasure of working with Doug at Barngrover glass. We replaced all the windows and Caulking in the whole hospital. He was an Amazing man to work with, he always had a smile on his face and made going to work a good time. My mother Connie remembers sitting with parents at all our soccer games and screaming at us for how awesome we were!! I send all my love your way."

Kim (Smith) Duque wrote on Feb 17, 2013:

"What a sad day for everyone who knew Doug! He's been a real stand up guy since I've known him through school and having graduated the same year. My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family!!"

Corey Westerbeck wrote on Feb 17, 2013:

"I had the pleasure of getting to know Doug from our time at Wonder Bread. Doug trained me when I started back in 2006. Over those 6 years, Doug and I had many late afternoons in the office at work, talking about our day and how much we "loved our jobs." When Wonder closed, I had the pleasure of learning that Doug had been hired to work with us at Sara Lee. I knew Doug would be a great fit and everyone would enjoy Doug's company. Still such a shock, I hope we can all keep him and the family in our thoughts and prayers. "

Cheryl Stewart wrote on Feb 16, 2013:

"Doug will be greatly missed by all. He always had a smile. I remember Doug from the donut shop he had with his father. I managed a convenience store in West Burlington where Doug delivered the donuts every morning to me. So very sorry for your loss. RIP Doug"

Lisa Violett wrote on Feb 16, 2013:

"Michelle so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Doug,may your guardian angels follow you from here..I wish we all could have kept closer.If you need anything just call I'm here..Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you..Love you Kipp and Lisa Violett"

kathy wunderlich wrote on Feb 16, 2013:

"Michelle and family, My heart goes out to all of you. Doug was a great person and classmate. I will always remember his wonderful smile. May God hold you all close at this difficult time. Kathy(Ryner)Wunderlich"

Lori Kissinger Bloomberg wrote on Feb 16, 2013:

"So sorry to hear this. I went to school with Doug and he was truly a good person. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Hold on to those memories."

LaVelle & Paul Stewart wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Doug's mother, Virginia, was my first cousin. We have fond memories of Doug as a DesMoines Register carrier in 1961. Our sincere sympathy to the Schnicker family."

Kent Benedict wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"I am so sorry to hear this tradgic news. I am deeply saddened. Doug was a great freind of mine from 1st grade through highschool. We were in Cub Scouts, School band, and rode mini bikes together in the neighborhood. What a fine person he was. He will be missed by many."

Scott & Michele Peck wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Michelle, remembering you and your family with special thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We are so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. Doug was such a good guy. Your family and our community have lost a true Gentleman. Scott & Michele Peck "

Al Hendrickson wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"I was terribly saddened to hear of Doug's accident. Doug and I go way back to about the 1st or 2nd grade. Doug was always a real pleasure to speak with and see. This guy never ever had a bad word to say about anyone. My deepest condolences go out to his family. I feel honored to have known Doug."

Rick Florence wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. May the memories you have shared help you get through these difficult days ahead. God only takes the best & we're sure Doug was at the top of his list. Gentle, kind, soft spoken, polite, hard working, loving, caring, always a smile on his face, and definitely his fathers son. Will always remember a Christmas at Grandma Smiths house when Doug arrived with his cowboy hat & guns & holster on his side. We think he was about seven years old. He was loveingly called Festus (thanks to Uncle Harold) by all of the Smiths. Hang on your memories. Sincere Sympathy& much love Rick Florence & family"

Mike and Theresa Freeman wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Michelle and family we are deeply saddened for your loss of Doug. Mike just saw him and visited with him over a week ago. Adam remembers him when he was working for Hy-Vee and always talking soccer in the backroom. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and the boys. He will be greatly missed and remembered!"

Nancy Mutchler wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"To the Schicker Family. I am so sad to hear about Doug's tragic death. As A fellow classmate and co-worker at Wonderbread, I will miss his genuine kind demeanor. My thought and prayers go out to all of you. "

Lisa (Smith) Newman wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"To the Schnicker family........my heart was filled with so much sadness when my mom called to tell me of Doug's accident. I have so many wonderful memories with your family (with cousins, aunts & uncles) and yes I too will remember his kind heart and smile he always had on his face whenever around him. Much love to all of you and I wish so much I could be there to see you all but please know we are sending you are thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Much love, Lisa (Smith) Newman"

Lisa Harris wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Michele -Our prayers are with you and your family. Doug was a wonderful man. I have fond memories of him and you and how he loved being on the boat."

Barb & Gary Glendening wrote on Feb 15, 2013:

"Our thoughts and prayers all with all of you during this difficult time. Barb & Gary Glendening"

Brian Klein wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"So sorry to hear about Doug, I knew Doug from him coming in Hy-Vee where I work and also many years ago when I used to work 3rd shift I'd get off work in the mornings and go get donuts at his place on Roosevelt, they were the best! I'd ask him almost every time I saw him when he was going to open another good donut shop and he'd just laugh and tell me he wasn't sure. "

Gary Wilson wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"I knew Doug for a short while, but long enough to know that he was a hard worker and that he loved his family. He was a true family man and was always talking about them. I hope and pray that God gives you the strength to make it through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

Robert Boughton and Jessica Gibson wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"Our thoughts and prayer go out to u and your family. I worked with Doug at wonder bread and he was a great man and a great co-worker.I knew when I came in late from a route Doug would be sitting there smiling and asking me how my day was. No matter if i had a bad day or a good day doug would always make me laugh. He was truely one of my good friends and he will missed a lot. "

Pam (Wilson) Kempker wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"Michelle, You have my most sincere sympathy at this time. Doug will be missed by a lot of people. I always enjoyed talking to you both."

Mary Sutcliffe wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"So very sad to hear about Doug. Our heartfelt condolence to the family. I will miss his nice smile. Burlington Jet Stop North"

Judy Rice wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"To The Schnicker Family. So we are so sad to hear of Doug's tragic death. He will be missed by so many, but most of all his family. Doug has always been a real sweet gentleman, with a huge smile.. We will keep you the family in our thoughts and prayers. Judy and Kermit Rice"

David Berry wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"I got to know Doug through my older brother Mike, who was a good friend of Doug's growing up. Three words come to mind when thinking of Doug: Real good guy. He was kind, genuine, fun loving. A pleasure to be around. While I have not lived in Burlington for many years, and the distance and time may have not kept things close between us, I always knew him to be a good friend. My sincere condolances to all his family and friends. He will surely be missed. Rest in peace, Doug."

Doug and Lynn Passini wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"To the Schnicker family: Our heartfelt condolences are with you at this very difficult time. My husband too has been a route sales rep for Wonder for many years in the Quad City area so we feel a kindred spirit with your family. We are so very sorry for this tragic loss. God bless."

Vicki and Larry Stout wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"Michele, we are so sorry for your tragic loss. Doug was one of the kindest and most wonderful person. He will be truly missed. Sorry we won't be able to make it back from Az. but you are in our thought's and prayers. Love ya."

Fort Madison Hy-Vee RPM department wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"Our deepest sympathy to all you. We were very saddened and shocked to hear of Doug's accident. Doug always had a smile on his face and we loved to talk to him. He was always talking about his family and all the trips he was on or was taking. He will be missed by all of us at the Fort Madison Hy-Vee RPM department."

Sue Long wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"I am so sorry and sadden to hear of Dougs passing. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. My deepest sympathy."

Dillon Orth wrote on Feb 14, 2013:

"To the Schnicker family: My families prayers are with you during this tough time. Doug was a great guy to be around and was a true family man. He will be missed."

Dr. Frank Beaty wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"Michelle, I am overwhelmed at the sudden death of Doug. We are in far Northeastern Vermont--serving as their interim pastor...so will not be present. I'm sorry. May the God of all comfort and Father of compassion surround you in this difficult time. We are praying for you and your family."

Karen neff wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"Doug was truely a great friend & classmate, he will be missed by so many! Our thoughts & prayers go out to the entire family at this difficult time. Hugs!! Phillip & Karen Johnson-neff (class of 1977)"

Sheila Zager wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"We are so very sorry about Doug's untimely death. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the entire family... The Zagers"

Dave and Pam Stoermer wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"We are very sorry to hear about Doug's untimely death. Our prayers are with the entire family. My memories of Doug were that he was truely a gentle man. "

Dot & Bob Anderson wrote on Feb 13, 2013:

"We were so sorry to hear of Doug's tragic death and our prayers are with you all. I can so vividly visualize that curve from the countless times we drove it. Best wishes to all. Peace, Dot & Bob"