Obituary of Viola Schneider

Survivors include her 4 daughters: Norma (Ted) Klein of Clinton, NJ, Elaine (Daniel) Wessels of Petersburg, IA, Ruth (Bob) Meyer of Kansas City, MO and Marjorie (Ed) Speil of Aitken, MN; 3 sons: Charles (Jean) of Holy Cross, IA, Michael (Jean) of Hershey, PA and Stephan (Michelle) of Lummi, WA; a daughter-in-law, Rhea (Tom) Joice of Broken Arrow, OK, 23 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Rudy Strunc of Lincoln, NE. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe, son Mark, grandson Michael Schneider, 2 brothers: Florian and Joseph Meis; 4 sisters: Adele Herting, Martha Powers, Alma Schleisman and Bernice Strunc. Viola was born on February 2, 1909 on a farm near New Vienna, Iowa, the daughter of Conrad and Rose (Hagemann) Meis. She graduated from St. Francis Academy in Dyersville and State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. Viola then taught in several country schools before her marriage to Joseph H. Schneider on September 4, 1933 in New Vienna, Iowa. They lived on the Schneider family farm near Holy Cross until 1968, when they retired in Dyersville, Iowa. Viola leaves a legacy of volunteerism, including teaching special needs children, quilting for Progress Inc., working at the hospital gift shop and helping residents of Oak Crest Manor. Playing cards and Scrabble, quilting, gardening, reading and baking gave her great enjoyment. She took special interest in each member of her large family and looked forward to their visits. Viola was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will always be remembered for her concern for others and her many interests. The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the wonderful care and friendship given by the staff at Ellen Kennedy Living Center and Oak Crest Manor. The family requests no flowers. Rather, in honor of Viola's love for teaching and children, any memorial donations will be used toward Camp Courageous and to further catholic education. May she rest in perfect peace. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2005, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a parish scripture service will be held at 4:00 p.m. and an Order of Martha Rosary will be recited at 4:30 p.m.