Joseph N. Schneiders

SCHNEIDERS, KELLEY GALLAGHER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 11/8/2010 at 23:07:19

Sioux City Journal
9 May 2010

SIOUX CITY -- Joseph N. Schneiders, 84, of Sioux City passed away Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Touch Stone Living Center.

Services for Joseph will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Boniface Catholic Church, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military rites. Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. today, with the family present 3 to 5 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Joseph was born Dec. 12, 1925, to Joseph M. and Adora C. (Kelley) Schneiders. He graduated from Central High School, Morningside College and then went on to receive his master's degree in ancient history at U.S.D.

Joe attained his private pilot's license at age 18, flying his first solo flight from the air strip in North Sioux City, S.D. He held various jobs throughout Siouxland as well as surviving the Swift Plant explosion in 1949. Joe was also an English, Spanish and history teacher at West Junior High School from 1962 to 1974. After retiring from teaching, he worked as an office administrator for the Sioux City Stockyards, as a court attendant for the 3rd Judicial District, and as a courier for St. Luke's Laboratory. He officially retired from working in 1983.

Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. He participated in aerial photo missions as the 45th infantry division signal photographer. Joe took photos of the Chinese front hanging out the window of an L19 Bird Dog. Later, Joe enlisted with the 185th Air National Guard. At the 185th he worked in public relations and was the base photographer. After 20 years of service Joe retired from the 185th in 1985.

Joseph married Patricia Gallagher on Jan. 22, 1955, in Sioux City, at St. Boniface Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on Sept. 9, 1994, in Sioux City.

In his free time he was an avid photographer, documenting the historical changes in Sioux City and all family gatherings. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He spent countless hours working on his photo albums and his coin and stamp collections. He enjoyed camping, traveling and astronomy. He loved picnics and going out to eat. Joe was a lifelong learner. He challenged himself to learn different languages and musical instruments. He was an amateur actor and participated in the productions of the Epiphany Little Theater, Briar Cliff Theater and the Sioux City Community Theater. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

He is survived by his five children, son Philip Schneiders of Denver, Colo., daughter Adora Schneiders of Sioux City, son Joseph P. Schneiders (companion Linda Jones) of Sioux Falls, S.D., son William G. Schneiders of Sioux City, and daughter Mabet Simoni of Sioux City; six grandchildren, Joseph D., Marie and Jennifer Schneiders, Frank Watkins and Rebecca and Megan Simoni; three great-grandchildren, Aiden and Owen Ballard and Joy May Ryan; two brothers, Robert (Jean) Schneiders of Sioux City, and Gerald (Mary Lou) Schneiders of Salix, Iowa; two sister-in-laws, Mickey (Richard) Tope and Ann Riker; a special friend, Delores Jacobson of Sioux City; and his kitty, Madeline.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Pallbearers will be members of the Air National Guard with military rites at the grave site. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe's nephews, William Tope, Jim Meinen, Paul Schneiders, Chris Schneiders, Jon Schneiders and Mike Norgelas.