Lavern Schneider

Lavern William Schneider, one of four children of Elenora (Tiedt) and John A. Schneider, was born at his parent's home on the farm near Sumner, Iowa on December 27, 1928. Vern grew up on the farm with his brother and sisters and attended the Buck Creek Church School and Sumner High School. Following school, Vern worked for neighbors on the farm and did carpentry work for his Uncle Art.
On June 25, 1948, Vern and Helen Evelyn Strottman were married at the Zion Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. They made their home in Waterloo and Vern worked at the Herricks Refrigeration Company and later the Corrugated Box Company. Their marriage was blessed with three children; Michael Lavern, Sandra Sue, and Jill Marie. In 1960, the young family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado where Vern worked for Carnation Dairy. Living in Colorado was a dream of Vern's and he loved seeing Pikes Peak from their kitchen window.
Longing to move closer to family, Vern learned about the numerous employment opportunities available in Iowa at the Glenwood State Hospital School. The family moved to Glenwood in 1964, and Vern began working with the custodial staff at what later became known as the Glenwood Resource Center. During his 25 year career, Vern was a member of the AFSME Union and worked with the grounds crew, in the storehouse, and finally in the transportation department before retiring in 1989.
Vern and Helen were active and faithful members of St. John Lutheran Church in Mineola, Iowa. They enjoyed traveling and Vern made certain the family took some type of vacation each year. On Sunday, the family attended worship services regardless of where they may be. Vern and Helen loved Country and Blue Grass music and made several trips to Branson, Missouri where they attended numerous shows. He was a good Christian role model to his children and friends and was known for his ability to talk with anyone. He was a very good listener, told it like it was, and shared advice with those who needed it. Vern was meticulous in the care of equipment which was reflected in his car, which he kept spotless at all times.
Vern and Helen left for their winter home in Mission, Texas on Vern's 78th birthday. He and Helen had been married 58 years when Vern died unexpectedly at the Mission Medical Center on January 2, 2007 at the age of 78 years and 6 days.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Helen Schneider; son Michael Schneider and his wife Marsha; daughter Jill Fender and husband Martin all of Glenwood, Iowa; daughter Sandra Fourney and husband John of Council Bluffs, Iowa; sisters Lorraine Crotty and husband Wendell and Dorothy Eggena and husband Alvin all of Cedar Falls, Iowa; brother Don Schneider and wife Nancy of Winona, Minnesota; seven grandchildren and four great granddaughters; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.