In loving memory of

Alice Schneider
April 10, 1925 - May 5, 2015

Mary Alice Schneider was born to Leo and Eula (Hood) Saunders on April 10, 1925, in Bancroft. Alice attended St. John's Catholic School graduating in 1942. She then attended the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN.

During World War II, Alice worked at a bomber plant in Ypsilanti, MI. She married Tony Schneider on February 18, 1946, at St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. After their marriage, Tony and Alice moved to Albert Lea, MN before returning to Bancroft in 1951.

Alice lovingly raised her eight children while also working in the family business, Tony's Food Market. Her great loves were her husband Tony, her family, and baseball. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and enjoyed keeping in touch with them. Her hobbies were reading, writing poetry, sports, crossword puzzles, and baking.

Alice was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the St. John's Altar Society.

Mary Alice Schneider died Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, at the age of 90.

She is survived by seven children, Steve (Alice) Schneider of St. Cloud, MN, Mary Spain of Bancroft, Pat (Greg) Nelson of Iowa City, Pam (Dick) Merron of Waterloo, Tom Schneider of Los Angeles, CA, Tony (Kris) Schneider of Olathe, KS, and Tim (Ann) Schneider of Waukee; 18 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Dr. Gene (Caryl) Saunders of Houston, TX; a brother-in-law, Joe (Sheila) Schneider of St. Paul, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tony on September 27, 2012; a son, Charles on February 18, 1975; two brothers, Joe and John Saunders; and her sister, Pat Thompson.

Tributes

Alice (Williamson) Schneider wrote on May 15, 2015:

"I could not have asked for a kinder, more loving Mother-in-law. I was welcomed into the family with open arms by both Tony and Alice. They took over the job of parent when mine passed away. It is because of them that I have a wonderful husband. I have missed Tony very much and will greatly miss Alice as well. "

Nancy Kollasch Overlie wrote on May 8, 2015:

"You have my deepest sympathy. My Mom, Amanda Kollasch, and your mom used to spend hours and hours on the phone. I know they both truly helped each other thru some lonely times."

BILL wrote on May 8, 2015:

"TO THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY -- WE WERE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR MOTHER'S PASSING. I CONSIDERED ALICE ONE OF MY FAVORITE COUSINS AND ALWAYS CONSIDERED ALICE AND TONY AS SOME OF MY BEST LIFE-LONG FRIENDS. I ALWAYS REMEMBER WHEN ALL OF YOU KIDS WERE YOUNG AND I WAS A COLLEGE STUDENT AT ST THOMAS OR TEACHING IN HASTINGS, MN I WOULD SPEND JUST ABOUT EVERY CHRISTMAS EVE AFTER MIDNIGHT MASS HAVING A COUPLE OF DRINKS AND EARLY MORNING CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST WITH THEM. AGAIN OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. MUCH LOVE, BILL AND ANN MCGUIRE"

Patrick Degen wrote on May 7, 2015:

"My prayers go out to the Schneider family during this difficult time. Your Mom was truly a wonderful woman. Anytime I spoke with her, she always had a way of making me feel like she was genuinely interested in how I was doing. She was proud of her family and it showed in the way her and Tony raised their kids. God bless you all. Alice has her rightful place in heaven. "

Eric Degen wrote on May 7, 2015:

"My blessings to the whole family on the passing of Alice. I can't say enough about how great of a woman she was. I spent a few nights staying over and used to love the way she treated us. What a kind woman, as was Tony an awesome man. How great to be raised by these two people. You Schneider kids were very fortunate. As was King Tut. I am fairly certain I have never seen a bigger cat in my life. I also concur with ed and Tim. First time ballot, hands down. If not, the committee needs fired."

Jon Degen Family wrote on May 6, 2015:

"God's Blessing on the family of this wonderful woman. Always caring and always smiling. Just loved to talk to her and catch up on our families where abouts. One of many lasting memories is she always made Tim the best dang lunches when we would go to work, the McGuire boys and I would be so jealous when Tim would get his lunch box out. Seemed like he had enough for all of us in there. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time."

Rita Fox wrote on May 6, 2015:

"To the family, I am sure you will miss Mom. She was such a sweet person, usually with the kind smile I remember . My prayers are for all of you as well as Mom and Dad...Bless all of you, Rita Fox"

Terry Schrandt wrote on May 6, 2015:

"My deepest condolences to you on the loss of your mother. She and Tony were both very kind to me. May your family find comfort and peace during this difficult time."

Sara Leslie wrote on May 6, 2015:

"I am so sad to hear that Alice has passed away. She was someone I hold very dear in my heart. She was one of the first people to come into my life at such a young age as my babysitter. Alice and Tony will always be such an amazing memory in my life...opening their home and hearts to me. I am comforted to know that now Alice and Tony can be together. "

Keith Foust wrote on May 6, 2015:

"The Foust family would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. I did not get to know Alice very well, only met her twice, but each time she had a huge smile on her face and immediately made me feel welcome and a part of the group. Tim and I have become like brothers over the years, and I know what kind of big heart and caring man he is. I would say that came from his mom. =) Prayers"

Rita (Bollig) Enriquez wrote on May 6, 2015:

"On behalf of the Gordon Bollig family, we send our condolences to your family! Alice was such a wonderful lady and neighbor. She had that magnetic smile that always pulled you into a happy place. Lots of good memories warm my heart... "

Ed Degen wrote on May 6, 2015:

"My condolences to a wonderful family on the passing of their beautiful mother. Every time I had an opportunity to talk with Alice I sensed that she truly cared how I was doing. She remembered my entire past, where I had served in the Army, where I was now, the names of my wife and kids, etc. You truly knew she was a beautiful and great lady through to the core. She was equally proud of her kids, grandkids, great grandkids. I agree with son Tim, she is a "first time ballot" for heaven. There are none better."

Stan and Mary Lowe wrote on May 6, 2015:

"Schneider family, We are so sorry to learn of Alice's passing...an amazing lady that always had a smile and a "hello" to you when seeing her...she will be missed by so many...to her family, prayers and thoughts to all of you at this time...keep the memories alive..and I am sure there are plenty of happy ones to remember..."

Tim Schneider wrote on May 6, 2015:

"I was the last of the eight children, and so I imagine that that Mom and Dad were way easier on me then everyone else -) What I want everyone to know is that Mom was such a kind and gentle soul, and always willing to listen to all of her kids before passing judgment. She was never a negative type of person, and seemed to always try to look at the good side of things. She loved to read books and pray - and I am sure she prayed for everyone that came in to her life, and even those that did not. She also took such great care of our Dad when he was ill, just like she did with all the kids. She deserves to be in Heaven on the 1st ballet (unanimously) -- to use a baseball term. Love you Mom & will miss your smiling face and fanstastic spirit....you are "Safe at Home" just like you said of Dad. "