By Mandi Sakadaris
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
    • Service

      Private services are being held.

    • Full Obituary

      Robert L. Schneider, 72, of Highland, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

      He was born on September 29, 1951, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, to Arthur and Louise (nee Luginbuhl) Schneider. On June 9, 1973, he married the love of his life, Diana Bray, at St. John’s UCC in Trenton, IL.

      Robert has lived in Highland for 50 years, moving from the family farm he grew up on in St. Morgan, IL. He graduated from Highland High School in 1969, then joined the US Army Reserves from ’70 to ’76, while simultaneously working as a Carpenter with the local Union. Robert and Diana are members of the EvUCC in Highland, IL.

      He was a handyman, always willing to help anyone in need of odd jobs or anything construction related. He liked tractors, Super C’s being his favorite, and going to flea markets with his wife, Diana, in search of antiques ranging from old farm equipment to animal furs. Robert enjoyed picking out nuts from the pecan trees at the family farm and socializing with his neighbors, often sitting on the back porch talking to passersby. Anytime there was snowy weather, you could find Robert out shoveling sidewalks for people in his neighborhood.

      On the family farm, Robert had a clubhouse called the Chicken House, where friends and family would stop by to visit and catch up. Outside the Chicken House, he planted a garden growing pumpkins and gourds for his grandkids. Robert cut wood for years, keeping the wood burning stoves going at his home and the Chicken House.

      Robert loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, teaching them to chop wood and how to whittle. He had two cats named Frito and Oreo, named after his favorite snacks. Robert was strong, hardworking, and funny, always joking around and teasing people. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

      He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Louise Schneider, and siblings, Eugene Schneider, Roger Schneider, Peggy Schneider, and Eloise Rodrigues.

      Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Diana Schneider, Highland, IL; children, Sara (Erich) Albers, Waterloo, IL, Cory (Kimberly) Schneider, St. Rose, IL; grandchildren, William Albers, Henry Albers, Gavin Schneider, Rylan Schneider; siblings, Sally (Fritz) Haislar, Karen McQuade, Zane (Connie) Schneider; brother-in-law, Harold Bray; sister-in-law, Janice (Keith) Vogt; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

      In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Metro East Humane Society, or donor’s choice.

      Private services are being held.

      Interment: Highland City Cemetery

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    10 Condolences
     
    1. Tom Hammer / February 27, 2024 at 3:12 pm

      I will miss Robert tremendously, I enjoyed visiting him every week at the chicken house, I knew Robert all my life we grew up next to each other on the farms. He was a true friend. Rest in peace buddy.

    2. Barry Quade / February 27, 2024 at 5:07 pm

      Sorry for your loss Cory and family, I always enjoyed being around Robert, he was one of the good ones.

    3. Gene Schmidt / February 27, 2024 at 5:09 pm

      Diane, I am so sorry about your loss. I hope you and your family manage everything together day by day.

    4. Floyd Klaus / February 28, 2024 at 12:48 pm

      Sorry for your loss. Robert was one of a kind. Prayers to family.

    5. Orville n Billie Rinderer / February 28, 2024 at 2:44 pm

      Diane and family, we are so sorry for your loss. I remember our many years back when we were all young n newly weds. Sonny always liked working with Bob. Too many good times to list. But you’re all remembered in our hearts and memories. May God bless and we see again in our Heavenly Home.

    6. Linda & Rod / February 28, 2024 at 3:09 pm

      So terribly sorry to hear about Robert. It’s always too late when we think of what should have been. We didn’t spend nearly enough time together, but the time we did have truly was special.

    7. Jim Reimann Family / February 28, 2024 at 3:51 pm

      Our sympathies to The Schneider Family.

      Jim Reimann Family

    8. Severin Emig / February 28, 2024 at 10:12 pm

      Diane, I am sorry for your loss. Bob was a good man, carpenter, and friend. He would help everyone. If you had a problem, Bob was there to help you get the work done. He was a good teacher so you could be a better carpenter. He was a good friend. Thank you, Sonny.

    9. Leslie Gurley (Hemker) / March 2, 2024 at 7:33 pm

      The Schneider Family,
      My deepest sympathy to you all. I remember sitting by the fire and eating his pistachios when we were younger. He was a lot of fun.

    10. Leo and Penny Malisia / March 8, 2024 at 11:35 am

      We will always remember the summer night we pulled in to our new home after dark with all our belongings in a U-Haul trailer. Robert, our new neighbor, was there immediately asking if he could help us move our things in. We knew right then that we would love living in Highland. He was the best neighbor and friend anyone could have. So sorry for your loss, Diane, Cory, and Sara. Sincerely, Leo, Penny and family.

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