Carl "Fred" Schneider

Carl “Fred” Schneider
Carl Fred Schneider was born April 3rd in 1948 to Dottie (Doris Felzien) and Glenn Edward Schneider in Benkelman, Nebraska at Morehouse hospital. Named after his Grandfather Carl Fredrick Felzien (Charlie or C.F.), he was the second child and first son to a family of eight children. Dottie and Glenn raised their children on a farm in St. Francis Kansas. Fred graduated from St. Francis high-school in 1966. At the age of 18, Fred began working as a craftsman. He was a master of many trades including carpentry, concrete, all kinds of construction and engineered many jobs as if he were a certified expert. After high-school, Fred moved to Tacoma, Washington where he learned to build bridges. He spent a few years there and then moved to Bird City, Kansas for a while where he worked construction for Jerry Carmichael. His feet kept moving and he took an opportunity in Tucson, Arizona running a crew in masonry work. Following that venture, Fred began employment with Capital Bridge where he traveled across the country building bridges in cities. Fred’s knowledge of his trades came naturally to him and his abilities were endless. He finally settled down in the mid 70’s and became an independent contractor doing multiple types of construction building homes in St. Francis and in the Benkelman area. Many of his projects look like they were built yesterday due to the high quality craftsmanship Fred put into them. In August 1976, at age 29, Fred married Darlla Krutsinger of Benkelman, in St. Francis, Kansas. To this union, 3 sons were born: Tyler Carl, Toby Lee and Jesse Dean Schneider. Fred and Darlla became new parents to son Tyler Carl, in McCook, Nebraska and Fred worked as a home-builder. They moved to Benkelman a year later with baby Tyler in 1977 and Fred began working concrete for his father-in-law Louis Krutsinger and brother-in-law Bobby at Krutsinger Construction. It was not long before Fred and Darlla welcomed sons Toby Lee and Jesse Dean.
Although Fred was a fine craftsman, his true passion was simply being lakeside with a fishing pole. Fred loved to fish and had the patience to teach anyone who would listen how to tie the world’s best fishing knot. Camping and fishing were his most favorite activities, and if he needed to be found, you could bet he was out at the lake. Some friends and family would joke and call him “Camp Freddy” knowing that’s how he preferred to spend his time. Fred also enjoyed reading, hunting, cooking, visiting friends, keeping up with politics and Fox News and of course, playing cribbage. (That’s a 15-2 a 15-4 and a 15-6…) Music was an important part of his life and he had a great appreciation for classic rock and oldies. Every song you could think of, Fred knew the name, artist and year it came out. Fred had a phenomenal memory.
Time flew by and Fred’s three sons were grown. He would brag about Tyler’s success as a Telecommunications Tech in Denver, Colorado. Tyler inherited Fred’s love and skill for fishing. Dad beamed with pride when Toby graduated UNK (Kearney) and became a pilot and flight instructor. He would often speak of the ironic coincidence that Toby had an uncanny physical resemblance to Fred’s Uncle Gerald Felzien, an Air Force pilot. Must be in the blood, Fred would say. And then, Fred was so delighted when his youngest, Jesse followed in his father’s footsteps as a concrete man and carpenter. Jesse and Fred always had something to talk about when it came to concrete. Each son carries a special characteristic inherited from their father. If you wish to see Fred today, all you have to do is look at his sons. Early in the new century of 2000, Fred worked with long-time friend Jerry Shaw helping him with his construction business in Parks, Nebraska. Jerry and Fred shared many good times and seemed more like brothers than friends. Jerry Shaw was always there for Fred through hardships and happiness.
In August of 2003, Fred proudly welcomed the title Grandpa with the birth of his grandson Bobby Dean, born to son Jesse and daughter-in-law Jodi Schneider. From there, he welcomed Alexa Grace, daughter of son Tyler Schneider; Alyssa Lyn, daughter of Jesse and Jodi Schneider and then Addison Reese, daughter of son Toby and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Schneider. In Fred’s last few months, he fought vigilantly and was able to meet his second grandson, born to Toby and Elizabeth in September 2014, Grayson Lee. Fred was very ill this last summer, and when we would encourage him to hold on…he would reply, “Yes, I gotta meet my new Schneider grandson!” He loved his grandchildren and was always happy to see them. In his weakest moments, it was his grandchildren whom gave him joy. Fred was able to meet his grandson four short weeks before departing to heaven.
Fred spent the last 10 years of his life living in Benkelman, just across the street from his son Jesse and his wife and kids. This was a unique opportunity for Fred and his son, daughter-in-law and grandkids Bobby and Alyssa. Because he lived so close, Jesse and his family were involved with Fred on a weekly sometimes daily basis. This allowed a wonderful bond to form between Fred, Jesse, Jodi their children. Alyssa would come over, bringing food or things that her mother had sent to Grandpa, and play slap-jack and solitaire with her grandfather. She would brush his hair, beat him at cards and eat all of his saltine crackers. Alyssa’s favorite thing to do was run over to grandpas and “ding-dong-ditch” him. That was where she would ring his door-bell and then hide…and then giggle when he opened the door but nobody was there. She got a kick out of it, but it didn’t take Grandpa Fred long to figure out who the culprit was. If she wasn’t climbing all over things and getting into Grandpas stuff, she was jumping on his bed, and Grandpa Fred let Alyssa get away with anything. It is also important that we acknowledge that grand-daughters Alexa and Addison were frequent visitors whenever they were in Benkelman. Both girls were fortunate in that they were able to visit Grandpa Fred numerous times this last summer. These beautiful little girls made their grandpa happy and proud. They would never hesitate to sit on his lap and embrace him with hugs.
Fred had very strong feelings for his loved ones and family. His brother Bradley and sister Linda Ketzner were very helpful in keeping him involved with family functions and never went through Benkelman without a visit to their brothers. His late brother, Buster was also known for bringing Freddy to holiday dinners and parties. Fred looked forward to road trips with his brothers and enjoyed going to visit family. Fred had a special spot in his heart for his mother as well. He knew that no matter what, his mother Dottie had unconditional love for him and he couldn’t speak of her without a tear welling up in his eye. It was a true blessing that Fred spent the last 3 months of his life in Atwood, Kansas with his mother Dottie. They enjoyed eating their meals together and playing cards. Being able to be close to mom made his stay at the nursing home seem tolerable. Fred was proud to be a Schneider and proud of his family in many ways. He knew that although time would put distance between him and his siblings, when they reunited, they could enjoy each other as if they had been together just yesterday!
Fred was known for being an excellent cook and making delicious food out of what seemed like nothing. Fred was frugal and got by with very little, but loved and shared like he had more than enough. His faith in God and love for Jesus never ceased, and he knew that God’s grace would someday return him home. Fred gave testimony to his salvation when baptized as a young boy in St.Francis Lutheran Church, and then through conversation with his children on many occasions. As we all acquire in life, Fred had regrets, and stated that it was by God’s grace that he was forgiven and had salvation.
Fred was preceded in death by Father Glenn Schneider, brothers Jerry and Buster (Glenn Jr.) Schneider and is survived by mother Dottie of Atwood, Kansas, sisters Ali and husband Jim Glasco of Baird, Nebraska, Linda Ketzner of St. Francis, Kansas, Denise Bandel of Wauneta, Nebraska, brother Bradley and wife Linda Schneider of Bird City, Kansas and brother Curt Schneider of North Platte. Sons Tyler Carl Schneider, Jesse Dean and daughter-in-law Jodi Schneider, Toby Lee and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Schneider, (Fred had 3 sons but stated numerous times that he had 2 daughters, and never used the words “in-law” when referring to Jodi and Elizabeth), and five grandchildren Bobby Dean, Alexa Grace, Alyssa Lyn, Addison Reese and the motivational new baby boy, Grayson Lee Schneider. Fred also is survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he was very proud of and they all had a special love and many happy memories with their Uncle Freddy.
Although leaving at 66 years of age seems sudden and too soon, Fred’s health had deteriorated quickly and he was ready to go to the Lord in July of this year. It is by Gods loving grace that he was able to hold on, and give all of his family the comforting words and hugs that they so dearly needed before the Lord received him on Sunday, October 19th in Atwood, Kansas. Fred died of natural causes, and went with dignity, joy and peace in his heart. Fred wished to be cremated and his sons will celebrate his life one last time during a private inurnment at a later date. It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Grandpa, “Freddy”. There are so many wonderful memories he has left us behind to cherish and pass on. Let us not be saddened by the loss of Carl Fred Schneider’s life here on earth, but let us celebrate that it happened. Let us show gratitude for what we were given, let us embrace his beginning and his end, knowing that he continues to exist in our hearts and now thrives in Gods heavenly paradise. Let us know that with salvation it is NEVER goodbye, but only (as Fred would always say) “see ya later…..Ow,ow,ow…..”
Memorial Services will be 10:30 A.M. (MT), Thursday, October 30th, 2014 at the Trinity Baptist Church in Benkelman, NE with Pastor Paul Folk officiating.
No visitation; cremation was chosen.
A Memorial has been established in Fred’s memory.
Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com
BENKELMAN MEMORIAL CHAPEL IS ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENT