Donald Don Schneider

My Life Story Donald Francis Schneider, 79, a man of faith, was surrounded by family as he went to be with his Lord Savior on Thursday morning, October 19, 2017. Don was born on August 23, 1938 in Mitchell, South Dakota to the parents of Bernard and Ione Schneider. He was a gift from God who was blessed with faith, later to be a gallant man and humble servant to our heavenly Father. Don’s love, faith and commitment to God were alive and present throughout his life. He faithfully practiced the Catholic Religion and attended his schooling at the Notre Dame Academy. Throughout Don’s life his choice of employment was of a servant heart. At a young age, Don, alongside his father, worked in roofing to provide shelter for those in need. In 1956, Don enlisted in the Navy to serve and protect his country aboard the U.S.S. Hancock. Following his time in the Navy, Don joined law enforcement serving with fellow officers with the Elgin City Police Department and Oregon State Police Patrol. Don’s final career, in which he retired in 2004, serving over 30 years of service, was with Union Pacific Railroad, stationed and residing in La Grande, OR. He was an active member in Junior Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, F.O.E., V.F.W. and Union Pacific Junior Old Timers Club. It was there in La Grande, 30 years ago when Don met his soul mate and loving wife, Connie, wherein their combined family grew to 7 children. Their blessed vows amongst God and to each other of devotion to one another through goodness and bad, sickness and in health were true and lived every day of their time together. Don’s love for God, family and friends was absolute and unconditional. Throughout his life he lived, laughed and loved. Time with family and friends was meaningful and precious to him. In his healthy younger years he enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors; fishing, hunting, family gatherings and found enjoyment riding his motorcycle appreciating the scenic beauty of God’s creations around him. Throughout his life, younger and to the end, Don found enjoyment, in addition to family time, watching football (in particular cheering on Notre Dame), trivia, riddles, jokes, card tricks and cross word puzzles. Anyone who met or knew him well, walked away touched with happiness in their heart. As he was a man best described as faithful, kind, selfless, thankful, devoted, jovial and blessed. Don will be greatly missed by family and those who knew him. We will cherish forever his sincere welcome of a kiss and hug, his farewells as he shared words of ‘be careful, I love you’ and a wave at the window as he saw you off with a prayer of safety and peace. Don is survived by his loving wife, Connie; daughter, Terri Horine; son, Charles (Jennie) Gilchrist; daughter, Michelle (Jeff) Nikolas; daughter, Jean (Robert) Gaddy; stepson, Jamie (Stacey) Campbell; stepdaughter, Terri (Bobby) Sutcliffe; stepdaughter, KayT (Rick) Matheson; grandchildren: Joe, Lacey, Carver, Shelby, Nicole, Richelle, Danielle, Chelsea, Dalton, Codi, Sami, Nick, Jack and 9 great grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his mother, Ione; father, Bernard and grandson, Dusty Gilchrist. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks in respecting Don’s parting wishes, is to take a moment of silence to pray for love, kindness and peace for all. Peace Be With You In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 27th at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 6300 N. Meridian Road in Meridian followed by military honors. Private burial will be at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Remembrances may be left for the family online at www.AccentFuneral.com. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian.