Date Of Birth: July 26, 1926
Date Of Death: December 2, 2011
Al Schnese, 85, Indianapolis, was born in Kimberly, WI on July 26, 1926. He was a graduate of Kimberly High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Badger Boys State.
Al left Madison to join the U.S. Army and served as a Staff Sergeant in the 11th Airborne Division in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
Al returned to Wisconsin upon completion of his service and started Frasier Lumber Company. He then created Allied Supply Company in Appleton. Al moved into a sales position with Valley School Suppliers, Appleton, and finished his career in sales with Mainline Industrial Distributors in Appleton.
Al was a member of the First Congregational Church, UCC in Appleton, and was an active member until the end at Geist Christian Church in Indianapolis. He was a member at Buttes des Morts Country Club, Waupaca Country Club, and Riverview Country Club in Wisconsin.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Schnese of Kimberly, WI; along with five brothers and sisters.
He was also preceded in death by a wife, Rita Holzem Schnese; and is survived by their children, John (Nancy Bina) Schnese, Maple Grove, MN, Ellyn (Carl) Trinrud, Colbert, GA, Bill (Brenda Rassmusen) Schnese, Dublin, OH, Jim Schnese, Hendersonville, NC, and Bob (Lori Vaughan) Schnese, Chanhassen, MN.
He is also survived by wife Jeri Schnese, Indianapolis, IN; and children Kim (Ed) Henz, Indianapolis, IN, Robert (Sally Spence), Indianapolis, IN, and Mike Schnese, Madison, WI.
He leaves behind nineteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A true “Cheesehead,� Al was an original season ticket holder of the thirteen-time Champion Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. He was also a tremendous supporter of his beloved Wisconsin Badgers. A golf nut, Al recorded an “ace� on the 8th hole at Riverview Country Club in Appleton, WI.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2011 at Geist Christian Church, Indianapolis, IN, with calling for one hour prior.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations for the Centenary Christian Church Food Shelf of Indianapolis, IN via Geist Christian Church, 8550 Mud Creek Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256.
Online condolences may be directed to www.harrywmoore.com.
Linda Benson Kohli says
Dear Ellen,
I was so saddened to read of your dad passing away. Please know you and your family are in my prayers.
In Christ,
Linda
Joan Gabriel Taylor says
Bill, I was sorry to read your father’s obituary this morning in the Post Crescent. I don’t think I ever met your father, but recall your fondly referring to him as “Ogre”. (In my mind I assumed the nickname was in reference to his height and build…but again, not having met him, I couldn’t be sure.) I DO know he will be missed. I never realized what a large family you had. That will hopefully be a blessing as you adjust to your loss. I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Take Care.
Joan
jane haynes says
My sincere sadness to the entire family. Know that Al was the first person to welcome John and I to Appleton when we arrived in 1966! and I have always been grateful.
Blessings to all, Jane
John Julie Olson says
To Jeri and family. Julie & I were so sorry the read of Al’s passing away. Knowing Al I am positive he lead a very active and full-filled retirement. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. John & Julie Olson
Herbert Zorn says
Dear Jeri, John and Family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Al. Have many fond memories of our time at Mainline. Thinking of you.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Herb and Cheryl
Kathy Keddell says
Jeri – My sincere condolences on Al’s passing. It’s good you are near your children & grandchildren. Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending prayers your way.
Sincerely,
Kathy Keddell – Miller Electric
Steve and Diane Adams says
Jeri, our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We always enjoyed Al’s company, especially at the Speedway. Steve and Diane Adams from Appleton.
Jim and Becky Abendroth says
Bob and family,
We were saddened to hear of your fatherGÇÖs passing on Friday. Please know the entire Schnese family is in our thoughts and prayers.
My memory of your father will be tailgating opening day at Lambeau Field. His passion for football, golfing and family was proudly displayed at Packer tailgates and will be greatly missed. (Friends Appleton, WI)
Rest in Peace
Marge Higgins says
Hello Familly, Al worked with my husband, Gene, at Mainline years ago. i recall good times at the FARM–what parties!!! Always friendly–always kind–ever attentive—your dad. I am sure your memories are many and good. God Bless. Marge Higgins
Tara Van Airsdale Schpferling says
On behalf of the Hugh Van Airsdale family, we wish to send our heartfelt condolences to Jeri and the entire Schnese family. Our Mother, Verla (Van Airsdale) Jones, was shocked and saddened to hear of Al’s passing and asked that I send this message. Mother remembers so vividly how kind Al and Jeri were to our family when our dad was ill and passed away so many years ago. You are in our prayers and hearts during this very sad time.
Thank you and God Bless,
Tara (Van Airsdale) Schipferling
Ted and Julie Thompson says
Jeri and all of Al’s family, we are both so very sorry for your loss and so sorry we could not be there for the memorial service. I wish we could have seen Al at Erin’s wedding but I know that wasn’t possible. I am so glad we did get to share time with the Schnese family, and please know that we will always remain family. Please take care of each other at this difficult time, and may the wonderful memories you shared with Al help you carry on. The next time you are all together shout out a “Peeb” in memory of Al, and please know you are in our prayers. We Love You!! Ted and Julie Thompson
Pete and Barb Meiklejohn says
John, Ellyn, Bill, Jim, and Bob;
The Meikeljohn’s send their condolences to the Schnese families on the loss of your father. I smile thinking of great memories in Waupaca like waiting for you guys to finish Al’s chores before you could go waterskiing. Or Ellyn insisting that Barb and I should date. Football games for the mighty Ripon Redmen.
Al will be smiling down on the Rose Bowl and hopefully Super Bowl for his beloved teams. May your family share fond memories and stories when you get together to honor the life of Al. God Bless.